IN much of the Global South, agriculture forms the backbone of rural economies. Yet, for farmers, especially smallholders, limited access to modern agricultural technology and the impact of climate change make sustainable, profitable farming increasingly difficult. Cocoa farmers in Ghana, who contribute significantly to the global cocoa market, are among the hardest hit by these challenges. They face unpredictable weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and declining yields. However, innovative financing models for solar irrigation offer a promising path forward, empowering farmers to boost productivity and build resilience against climate uncertainties.
The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), through CGIAR’s (a global partnership that unites international organisations engaged in research about food security) Excellence in Agronomy Initiative (EiA), is pioneering solutions to bridge the gap between farmers and sustainable agricultural technology. Their research is helping smallholder cocoa farmers access the funds needed to implement solar irrigation systems, addressing both water scarcity and income variability in Ghana’s cocoa sector.
Solar-powered solutions for cocoa farmers
Climate change has made rainfall unpredictable, creating a major obstacle for cocoa farming in Ghana. Cocoa is a water-intensive crop, and its yield and quality are highly sensitive to rainfall patterns. However, solar irrigation systems—powered by renewable energy—are emerging as an effective solution to these water challenges. These systems allow farmers to irrigate crops during dry spells, increasing yields and ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality cocoa. Yet, the high upfront costs of solar technology and limited access to affordable credit have hindered its widespread adoption among smallholders.
Recognising this issue, IWMI has developed a unique financing model in partnership with local banks, organisations like Access Bank Plc, and support from the Mastercard Foundation. This model provides farmers with low-interest loans tailored to the agricultural cycle, making solar irrigation technology affordable for Ghana’s cocoa farmers.
Kekeli Gbodji, IWMI’s Research Officer in Inclusive Agricultural Finance for West Africa, explains, ‘The combination of climate change impacts and restricted access to advanced agricultural technologies puts Ghanaian cocoa farmers in a precarious position. Through tailored financial solutions, we aim to connect farmers with the sustainable technologies they need to remain competitive and climate-resilient.’
Financing for sustainability
Ghana’s cocoa sector has long battled water management challenges, as farmers rely on increasingly unpredictable rainfall patterns. Solar irrigation offers a path to sustainability, yet high upfront costs are a deterrent. To overcome this barrier, IWMI collaborated with local financial institutions and irrigation suppliers to create a co-developed financial solution that reduces financial strain on farmers.
The financing model, validated through a recent workshop with farmers, banks, and suppliers, includes low-interest loans with extended repayment terms. Local banks, such as Access Bank Plc, have committed to supporting cocoa farmers by offering flexible loan conditions tailored to their seasonal income. For example, these loans offer a six-month grace period, giving farmers time to stabilise their income before making repayments. According to Pearl Nkrumah, Executive Director at Access Bank Plc, ‘Our goal is to provide flexible, low-interest loans to help Ghanaian cocoa farmers overcome the unique challenges they face due to climate change. We believe that empowering farmers with innovative financial tools is crucial to promoting sustainable growth in the agricultural sector.’
Group ownership models: making technology accessible
The financing model IWMI promotes not only considers individual farmers but also encourages collaboration through group ownership. Under this model, farmers can pool resources to form small groups, sharing the cost and benefits of solar irrigation systems. Groups of three or five can jointly own equipment, making technology more accessible to those who might otherwise be unable to afford it. This approach lowers financial risks for individuals, promotes knowledge sharing, and fosters collaboration among local farmers.
Group ownership also helps farmers build stronger community ties. Shared resources enable farmers to learn from each other, develop resilience, and improve crop management practices collectively. This model also aligns with the principles of inclusive agricultural development, making it an ideal solution for smallholders in Ghana and similar agricultural economies.
Enhancing resilience and productivity with inclusive financing
Beyond just loans, IWMI’s financing model offers a lifeline to farmers, enabling them to invest in climate-resilient practices. Solar irrigation empowers farmers to manage water resources more efficiently, allowing them to adapt to the uncertainties brought by climate change. This, in turn, stabilises incomes, enhances productivity, and strengthens the foundation of Ghana’s cocoa industry.
By prioritising sustainability through solar technology, IWMI’s model aligns with broader goals of environmental stewardship and climate adaptation. Cocoa farmers who adopt solar irrigation can safeguard their income streams, while also contributing to Ghana’s sustainable development objectives.
IWMI’s research demonstrates that longer-term, flexible financing not only benefits farmers but also creates pathways for sustainable growth across the agricultural sector. This model serves as a blueprint that can be replicated across the Global South, where millions of smallholder farmers face similar challenges.
Collaboration for scale: a multi-stakeholder approach
To scale these efforts, a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach is essential. Financial institutions, government bodies, and private sector players each have a role in making solar irrigation accessible to farmers. Banks must continue developing products that cater specifically to the agricultural sector, with loan terms that consider the seasonal nature of farming incomes. Extended loan terms and lower interest rates are vital to easing the adoption of new technology among smallholders.
Government policies also play a crucial role in enabling climate-smart agriculture. Tax incentives for renewable energy use in agriculture, subsidies for solar technology, and investments in infrastructure can accelerate the transition to sustainable practices in rural areas. Furthermore, private sector actors, especially irrigation suppliers, must design solutions tailored to smallholder needs. By combining technical support with financial products, companies can improve adoption rates, ensure effective use, and make solar irrigation a realistic option for many more farmers.
Gbodji highlights the importance of collaboration, stating, ‘IWMI’s partnerships with local banks and organisations enable farmers to access affordable loans for solar irrigation. This model not only supports Ghana’s cocoa farmers but also sets a sustainable precedent that can inspire similar efforts across the Global South.’
A blueprint for sustainable agricultural finance
IWMI’s financing innovation represents more than just improved access to irrigation. It reflects a commitment to building resilience for farmers and creating sustainable agricultural practices. By addressing the financial barriers smallholders face, this initiative empowers farmers to overcome climate impacts, ensuring that Ghana’s cocoa industry thrives.
For Ghana’s cocoa farmers, this is not just an investment in equipment; it’s a step towards a more stable, resilient future. With replicable, farmer-friendly financing, IWMI’s model has the potential to transform the agricultural landscape across the developing world. By bridging the gaps in access to technology and finance, IWMI’s approach fosters a more equitable and sustainable future for rural communities reliant on agriculture.
As financial institutions, governments, and the private sector align their efforts, the path to sustainable agriculture becomes clearer. Together, they can ensure that solar-powered irrigation and similar technologies reach the farmers who need them most, securing both livelihoods and food security for the future.
