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Socio-Economic and Environmental Analyses of Solar Irrigation Systems for Sustainable Agricultural Production

Author

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  • Charmaine Samala Guno

    (College of Teacher Education, Mindoro State University, Calapan City 5200, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines)

  • Casper Boongaling Agaton

    (Department of Community and Environmental Resource Planning, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Los Baños 4031, Laguna, Philippines)

Abstract

Solar irrigation is a climate mitigation technology to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in agricultural production. Despite its potential, small-scale farmers are unable to afford photovoltaic (PV) systems and resort to using the traditional diesel-powered pumps for irrigation. This study aims to analyze the social, economic, and environmental aspects of introducing solar irrigation systems from the perspective of small-scale farmers in developing countries. Applying socio-economic and environmental analyses to the case of the Philippines, the study found the environmental benefits of solar irrigation in terms of the reduction in GHG emissions of up to 26.5 tons CO 2 eq/ha/year and the avoidance of emissions of air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and particulate matter. The energy savings between 11.36 and 378.54 L/ha of diesel per year resulted in a range of −USD 1255/ha to USD 68,582/ha net present value, 30% to 2958% with an average of 315% returns on investment, and 0.3 to 30 years payback period with an average of 2.88 years. Regardless of the low awareness of environmental sustainability, most farmers were interested to invest in solar irrigation systems with 69% social acceptance, while the 26% were not interested as they consume a minimal amount of fuel and cannot recover the high investment from the cost savings. This study provided policy recommendations to make solar irrigation accessible to small-scale farmers as well as broader implications to make the agricultural sector more sustainable.

Suggested Citation

  • Charmaine Samala Guno & Casper Boongaling Agaton, 2022. "Socio-Economic and Environmental Analyses of Solar Irrigation Systems for Sustainable Agricultural Production," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-15, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:11:p:6834-:d:830790
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Lefore, N. & Closas, Alvar & Schmitter, Petra, 2021. "Solar for all: a framework to deliver inclusive and environmentally sustainable solar irrigation for smallholder agriculture," Papers published in Journals (Open Access), International Water Management Institute, pages 154:112313..
    2. Schmitter, Petra & Kibret, K. S. & Lefore, Nicole & Barron, Jennie, 2018. "Suitability mapping framework for solar photovoltaic pumps for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa," Papers published in Journals (Open Access), International Water Management Institute, pages 94:41-9457..
    3. Agaton, Casper, 2017. "Real Options Analysis of Renewable Energy Investment Scenarios in the Philippines," MPRA Paper 83478, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    4. Casper Boongaling Agaton & Angelie Azcuna Collera & Charmaine Samala Guno, 2020. "Socio-Economic and Environmental Analyses of Sustainable Public Transport in the Philippines," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(11), pages 1-14, June.
    5. Lefore, Nicole & Closas, Alvar & Schmitter, Petra, 2021. "Solar for all: A framework to deliver inclusive and environmentally sustainable solar irrigation for smallholder agriculture," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 154(C).
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    Cited by:

    1. Casper Boongaling Agaton, 2022. "Will a Geopolitical Conflict Accelerate Energy Transition in Oil-Importing Countries? A Case Study of the Philippines from a Real Options Perspective," Resources, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-17, June.
    2. Terang, Bharat & Baruah, Debendra Chandra, 2023. "Techno-economic and environmental assessment of solar photovoltaic, diesel, and electric water pumps for irrigation in Assam, India," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 183(C).
    3. Héctor Fernández Rodríguez & Miguel Ángel Pardo, 2023. "A Study of the Relevant Parameters for Converting Water Supply to Small Towns in the Province of Alicante to Systems Powered by Photovoltaic Solar Panels," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-24, June.

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