Solar pumps have had a huge impact on agriculture and daily life across Africa, with the highest percentage of off-grid solar systems found in Kenya. The solar pump market in the country is thought to be at around $1 billion, and this has huge implications.
With the chance of making a farmer’s income more steady and dependable, the use of solar pumps across the continent could prove to be a game changer. Solar pumps are powered by solar panels, which absorb the sun’s rays and convert them into solar energy. Water solar pumps are easy to use, and are cheap compared to pumps powered by fossil fuel. The difference they can make is significant. So just how is everyday life in Africa benefiting from the technology?
Improvement of lives of women
The water solar pump industry in Africa has changed the lives of women dramatically. In African culture, the role of fetching and ensuring there is water for domestic use is often left to the woman. This can be a strenuous activity, especially if the source of water is far away, and it can have implications for health, safety and hygiene. Regular contact with water increases exposure to certain diseases, and carrying heavy weights can cause injury. Water solar pumps, on the other hand, provide an easy and safe way of getting water.
This also changes domestic life. Able to get water to their homes through the use of a solar water pump, women gain time, allowing them to concentrate on other tasks. Since water solar pumps can operate even when not attended to, the amount of time saved is significant.
Providing safe and reliable water supply
In Africa, rains are unpredictable. Therefore, Africans don’t have a stable and reliable source of water. A lack of water can cause all kinds of problems to a community. Due to the water solar pump industry, the community can get water from a reliable source. This boosts their health status, preventing them from getting water-borne diseases from using water that is not safe. Getting safe and reliable water saves the community from diseases spread by germs, ensuring the community health is in check.
READ: SunCulture to distribute solar-powered water pumps across Africa
Water solar pumps can also be used to power other household appliances that contribute to the safety of a household. For example, they can be used with a humidifier for the home, which can reduce respiratory problems and make the home environment more comfortable. In hot, dry climates, this can have a significant impact on health.
The use of water solar pumps in Africa has also helped in reducing the need for movement around the continent. Some African communities are forced to move in search of water and pasture for their cattle. With the ability to generate water more easily, this is less necessary for communities with access to a solar pump. After getting water to drink and hydrate their cattle, they can even irrigate and ensure healthy pastures for the herd without needing to move.
Climate and agricultural benefits
Unlike fossil fuel-generated sources of energy or electric sources that have been found to emit CO2, water solar pumps are very safe to use. The pump solely operates on energy from the sun, and does not emit harmful substances. This has helped to improve the the climate in regions where pumps are used.
With Africa’s unpredictable rain, farming can be a challenging process. The water solar pumps industry in Africa has helped farmers to irrigate their farms no matter how little rainfall there is. This is made possible without having to incur the cost of buying fuel for generators because solar energy is free. Now Africans can irrigate their farms regularly, enjoying good harvests and boosting the economy of their countries.
The presence of the water solar pump industry in Africa has already made a significant difference to daily life. Generating water is made easier, and the pumps are easy to maintain and require less labour. As they begin to become more widespread, these benefits can only increase.
