THE International Water Management Institute (IWMI) has launched a new solar-powered irrigation service device designed to help smallholder farmers overcome climate-related production challenges.
The device, known as IRRILINE, developed in partnership with Farmerline and Pumptech, is intended to provide “reliable, affordable and sustainable” access to water for farming and guide farmers on when to irrigate, how much water to apply, and how to minimise waste.
Speaking at the launch in Accra on Friday, IWMI Project Manager, Dr Sander Zwart, said the system was developed in response to persistent challenges faced by smallholders, particularly in northern Ghana, where erratic rainfall continues to threaten food production and income stability.
He noted that farmers transitioning from rain-fed agriculture to irrigation can harvest up to four times a year, “but only with reliable water access, appropriate financing and market support.”
“We wanted to create a digital service that brings everything together: technical advice, financing options, market access and trusted equipment suppliers,” Dr Zwart said.
He added that IRRILINE would expand farmers’ access to solar-powered pumps and irrigation equipment, reducing fuel dependence, cutting production costs, and promoting cleaner, more sustainable farming.
Representing Farmerline, Senior Business and Account Manager Mr Marvin Nii Adom Armah said the platform provides farmers with tailored guidance on irrigation timing and water application, helping them reduce waste and adopt efficient solar-powered systems.
He stressed that the initiative also tackles a major barrier to irrigation adoption: flexible financing structures. “Farmers can acquire irrigation systems and pay gradually, including through farm produce. This makes irrigation accessible to farmers who cannot secure traditional loans,” he said.
Mr Armah added that the advisory service is highly localised, incorporating data on soil type, topography and farmers’ specific water requirements.
Through a dedicated helpline (dial 399 on any network), farmers can access advice in their preferred local language via an interactive voice response system, followed by support from trained agents.
To further ensure inclusivity, IRRILINE’s partners will extend borehole-drilling services and conduct tailored assessments for farmers without existing water sources.
IWMI’s Africa Director for Research and Impact, Dr Olufunke Cofie, said the innovation forms part of IWMI’s broader mission to promote sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation and efficient water use across the continent.
She noted that IWMI operates in more than 30 African countries, supporting farmers, policymakers and development organisations to better manage surface water, groundwater, wastewater and rainwater.
“IWMI was established to provide innovative water solutions that improve livelihoods, food security and environmental sustainability,” Dr Cofie said.
She described IRRILINE as the latest addition to a suite of technologies supporting water allocation, quality monitoring and integrated resource management.
BY CECILIA YADA LAGBA
???? Follow Ghanaian Times WhatsApp Channel today. https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q
???? Trusted News. Real Stories. Anytime, Anywhere.
? Join our WhatsApp Channel now! https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q
The post Solar-powered irrigation system for smallholder farmers unveiled appeared first on Ghanaian Times.
Read Full Story
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
Google+
YouTube
LinkedIn
RSS