Nigeria, a country blessed with abundant natural resources, is poised to revolutionise its agricultural landscape through the many benefits of solar energy integration into its agricultural and farming practices.
As the most populous country in Africa with a measly power generation capacity of 4.5 GigaWatts and a staggering population of over 200 million inhabitants connected to 33 MW of grid-connected solar at the end of 2021 (IRENA), Nigeria faces unique challenges in meeting the food and energy demands of its rapidly growing population.
However, the country’s strategic location near the equator, coupled with its abundance sunlight, presents a golden opportunity to harness the power and many benefits of solar energy to boost agricultural productivity, reduce reliance and costs associated with fossil fuels and ensure a more sustainable green future for its citizens.
Solar Energy: The Untapped Potential in Nigerian Agriculture
Nigeria’s agricultural sector is a vital component of its economy, contributing approximately 25% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employing over 70% of the population [1].
However, the sector faces numerous obstacles, including limited access to reliable and affordable energy sources, outdated infrastructure, and the impact of climate change.
These challenges have hindered the sector’s ability to reach its full potential and meet the growing demands for food and agricultural products.
Enter solar energy, a renewable and clean source of power that has the potential to transform the Nigerian agricultural landscape.
According to a study by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Nigeria has an estimated solar energy potential of 427,000 megawatts (MW), making it one of the countries with the highest solar energy potential in the world [2].
This abundant solar resource, if harnessed effectively, can address the energy challenges faced by the agricultural sector and unlock a new era of sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.
Justification For Renewable Energy In Nigerian Agricultural Systems
According to the NREEEP, energy supply in Nigeria can be classified into two main categories which are the urban and the rural.
Urban areas are essentially on the grid while rural areas are largely off the grid.
There are several policies formulated by the Federal Government of Nigeria in a bid to address the teeming energy issues in Nigeria which include the RoadMap for Power Sector Reforms and the Nigeria Energy Roadmap Report.
These policies essentially focuses on the development of grid-based electricity which in turn will cost the country a whooping USD 34.5 billion in investment.
This humongous capital requirement by the government led to the formulation of the IRENA Renewable Energy Roadmap (REmap) analysis which show cases the medium term potentials of renewable including the benefits of solar energy systems in Nigeria. (IRENA, 2023).
REmap advocates that investment in renewable energy such as solar systems for agricultural purposes is cost effective than conventional agricultural pathways and will allow the country to benefit from the promotion of the adoption of solar process heat in large agricultural settings where it will deliver a reliable source of farm energy while reducing pollution.
Efficient irrigation pumps and tractors in the agriculture sector remains another benefit of solar energy systems which should be promoted to improve energy security by reducing the impact of internal fuel price volatility on the agricultural sector sector.
Prioritising investments in renewable energy will further buttress the benefits of solar energy systems and allow the full implementation of government agenda in the agricultural sector.
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Solar Energy Use Cases in Nigerian Agricultural Systems
As earlier professed, the advantages of renewable and benefits of solar energy integration are abundant most especially in terms of its clean and green properties.
Let us consider the various applications of Solar Energy Systems In Nigerian Agricultural Systems and the immense advantages their adoption stands to offer the agricultural ecosphere.
Crop Farming: Powering Productivity with Solar Powered Irrigation Systems
One of the most significant benefits of integrating solar energy into crop farming in Nigeria is the potential to enhance overall productivity and efficiency.
Solar-powered water pumps and irrigation systems, for instance, can ensure a reliable and consistent water supply for crops, reducing the reliance on erratic and often insufficient grid-based electricity or diesel-powered pumps.
A study conducted by researchers at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria found that the adoption of solar-powered irrigation systems in crop farming can increase yields by up to 30% compared to traditional methods [3].
This is due to the automation ability and provide crops with the necessary water at critical growth stages.
Solar Powered Water Pumps.
Every poultry farmer can attest to the importance of water in effective poultry management system.
In modern poultry practice, water is necessary for the following:
- Cleaning and Pen house disinfection to prevent build up of pathogens.
- Necessary physiologic need of birds to aid digestion and enhance productivity.
- Washing farm utensils and equipments
- Poultry effluent run off
- Decontamination of personnel, trucks and vehicles entering the farm premises and so forth
Solar powered water pumps offer a cheaper and more conventional clean source of power to get water for use for various farm operations at any time of the day.
Solar Powered Cold Storage Systems
The use of solar-powered cold storage facilities can help reduce post-harvest losses especially for perishable agricultural commodities. Post harvest losses remains a significant challenge in the Nigerian agricultural sector, estimated to range from 20% to 50% depending on the type of commodities involved [4].
Solar powered cold storage systems represents a paradigm shift from fossil fuel energy generation and represents innovative methods of blast freezing agricultural commodities like meat and chickens which are prone to quick spoilage in extremes of temperatures leading to food safety concerns.
Solar Powered Feed Milling Systems
The application of solar-powered systems to agricultural feed milling can be a highly effective way to improve the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of this important agricultural process.
Agricultural feed milling is the process of grinding, crushing, or pulverizing various grains, seeds, and other plant-based materials to create a fine, uniform feed that can be easily consumed by livestock, such as cattle, chickens, or pigs.
This process is an important part of modern agriculture, as it helps to ensure that the animals receive a balanced and nutritious diet.
Convention feed milling systems in Nigeria rely mostly on grid based electricity and use of fossil fuels to power the heavy machineries like grinders and mixers used for this process.
Once a business can achieve an energy efficient feed milling systems, it will translate to substantial revenue for the business through effective cost saving thus the ability to harness solar powered systems can save up to 20 to 30 percent compared to conventional fuel based feed milling systems in practice.
Environmental Conservation
The integration of solar energy can also contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions associated with crop farming. By replacing diesel-powered machinery and equipment with solar-powered alternatives, farmers can significantly lower their carbon footprint and contribute to Nigeria’s overall efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change.
This in turn will lead to a cleaner environment through the reduction in the production of obnoxious gases which are extremely irritation and severely detrimental to human health especially when inhaled.
Enhancing Farm Security Systems
Solar powered systems can be used to mitigate security challenges in agricultural systems through the use of solar powered monitoring facilities with the use of solar powered camera systems. This can further enhance productivity in agricultural system by reducing incidences of pilfering, personnel monitoring, improved service delivery and better monitoring of biosecurity systems.
Drone camera systems can be used to conduct aerial surveillance of agricultural land expanse, give real time performance data for animal and crop systems which reduces personnel deployment in these sector ultimately leading to huge financial cutbacks.
Harnessing the Sun for Sustainable Poultry Production
Poultry farming is another area where the integration of solar energy can yield substantial benefits in Nigeria.
The energy-intensive nature of poultry production, particularly in terms of lighting, heating, and cooling requirements, presents a significant challenge for farmers who often rely on unreliable grid-based electricity or costly diesel generators.
Solar-powered poultry houses can provide a reliable and cost-effective solution to these energy challenges.
A study conducted by researchers at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria, found that the use of solar-powered lighting and ventilation systems in poultry houses can lead to a 20% increase in egg production and a 15% reduction in feed consumption, compared to traditional, grid-powered systems [5].
This is due to the ability to maintain optimal temperature, humidity, and lighting conditions for the birds, which directly impact their health, productivity, and feed efficiency.
Furthermore, solar-powered egg incubators and hatcheries can ensure a more reliable supply of day-old chicks, reducing the dependence on erratic electricity supplies and minimizing the risk of hatching failures.
This, in turn, can contribute to the overall sustainability and profitability of poultry farming operations in Nigeria.
Cattle Farming: Harnessing the Sun for Water and Feed
Cattle farming is another critical component of Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, and the integration of solar energy can significantly enhance its efficiency and sustainability.
One of the primary challenges in cattle farming is the availability and accessibility of water for drinking and other operations, such as cleaning and sanitation.
Solar-powered water pumping systems can provide a reliable and renewable source of water for cattle, reducing the reliance on grid-based electricity or diesel-powered pumps.
A study conducted by researchers at the Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Nigeria, found that the installation of solar-powered water pumps in cattle farms can lead to a 25% reduction in water-related operational costs [6].
This, in turn, can improve the overall profitability and viability of cattle farming operations.
Moreover, the integration of solar energy can also contribute to the production of high-quality cattle feed.
Solar-powered feed processing and storage facilities can ensure the proper preservation and storage of animal feed, reducing waste and improving the nutritional value of the feed.
This, in turn, can lead to better overall health and productivity of the cattle herd.
Integrated Farming Systems: Maximising the Benefits of Solar Energy
One of the most promising approaches to harnessing the full potential of solar energy in Nigerian agriculture is the development of integrated farming systems.
These systems combine various agricultural activities, such as crop farming, poultry farming, and cattle farming, in a synergistic manner, allowing for the efficient utilisation of resources and the maximisation of solar energy benefits.
In an integrated farming system, solar energy can power a wide range of operations, including irrigation, water pumping, feed processing, and post-harvest storage and processing.
This approach not only enhances the overall productivity and efficiency of the agricultural system but also promotes the circular economy, where waste from one component is used as a resource for another, further reducing the environmental impact and improving the sustainability of the entire operation.
A study conducted by researchers at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, found that the implementation of an integrated farming system with solar energy integration can lead to a 40% increase in overall agricultural productivity and a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, compared to traditional, siloed farming practices [7].
This demonstrates the immense potential of solar energy to transform the agricultural landscape in Nigeria and create a more sustainable and resilient food production system.
Overcoming Challenges and Barriers
While the integration of solar energy in Nigerian agriculture holds immense promise, there are several challenges and barriers that need to be addressed to ensure widespread adoption and successful implementation.
One of the primary challenges is the high upfront cost associated with solar energy systems, which can be a significant barrier for many smallholder farmers who lack access to affordable financing options.
To address this issue, the Nigerian government and development partners should explore innovative financing schemes, such as subsidies, low-interest loans, and lease-to-own models, to make solar energy technologies more accessible to farmers.
Another challenge is the limited awareness and technical knowledge among farmers regarding the benefits and practical applications of solar energy in agriculture.
To overcome this, there is a need for comprehensive training and capacity-building programs that educate farmers on the various solar energy technologies, their installation and maintenance, and the potential benefits to their agricultural operations.
Additionally, the lack of reliable and accessible after-sales support and maintenance services for solar energy systems can hinder the long-term sustainability of these technologies in the agricultural sector.
Addressing this challenge will require the development of a robust ecosystem of solar energy service providers, technicians, and local supply chains to ensure the proper maintenance and repair of solar energy systems.
Finally, the policy and regulatory environment in Nigeria must be conducive to the widespread adoption of solar energy in the agricultural sector.
This includes the development of clear and supportive policies, incentives, and frameworks that encourage the integration of renewable energy technologies, such as feed-in tariffs, net metering, and tax credits for solar energy investments.
The Way Forward: Embracing a Sustainable Future
The integration of solar energy into Nigerian agricultural practices holds immense potential to revolutionize the sector and create a more sustainable and resilient food production system.
By harnessing the country’s abundant solar resources, farmers can enhance productivity, reduce operating costs, and contribute to the overall environmental sustainability of the agricultural sector.
From solar-powered irrigation systems and poultry houses to integrated farming systems that maximize the benefits of renewable energy, the opportunities for solar energy integration are vast and transformative.
By addressing the challenges and barriers, and implementing comprehensive support and policy frameworks, Nigeria can pave the way for a future where solar energy is seamlessly integrated into the core of its agricultural landscape, ensuring food security, environmental stewardship, and economic prosperity for generations to come.
As the world continues to grapple with the pressing issues of climate change, food insecurity, and resource scarcity, Nigeria’s embrace of solar energy in agriculture can serve as a shining example for other nations to follow.
By leading the way in this transformative journey, Nigeria can position itself as a global leader in sustainable and innovative agricultural practices, inspiring others to follow suit and creating a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
References:
[1] National Bureau of Statistics. (2021). Nigerian Gross Domestic Product Report. Retrieved from https://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/
[2] International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). (2020). Renewable Energy Prospects for Africa. Retrieved from https://www.irena.org/publications/2020/Apr/Renewable-energy-prospects-for-Africa
[3] Ogundari, K., & Okoruwa, V. (2013). Technical efficiency differentials in rice production technologies in Nigeria. AERC Research Paper 265, African Economic Research Consortium, Nairobi. Retrieved from https://aercafricaorg.sitereq.com/publications/research_papers/technical-efficiency-differentials-in-rice-production-technologies-in-nigeria/
[4] Omotesho, O. A., Adewumi, M. O., Muhammad-Lawal, A., & Ayinde, O. E. (2007). Determinants of food security among the rural farming households in Kwara State, Nigeria. African Journal of General Agriculture, 3(3), 1-11.
[5] Daramola, D. S., Oluwatosin, B. B., & Ogundari, K. (2016). Assessing the economic viability of solar-powered poultry production in Southwest Nigeria. Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, 40(8), 789-803.
[6] Sani, R. M., Abubakar, M. S., & Baba, B. M. (2018). Economic analysis of solar-powered water pumping systems for livestock production in Northern Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, 20(4), 741-754.
[7] Adewumi, M. O., & Omotesho, O. A. (2021). Integrated farming systems and greenhouse gas emissions reduction in Nigeria. Sustainability, 13(4), 2163.
