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Switching on resilience: pathways to smallholder farmers’ embrace of Climate-Smart solar irrigation in North-western Ethiopia

Author

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  • Abeje B. Fenta

    (Bahir Dar University)

  • Assefa A. Berhanu

    (Bahir Dar University)

Abstract

Climate change poses a major threat to global agriculture, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where nearly 800 million people—80% of them farmers—face declining crop yields (0.413% per 1 °C temperature rise). Over 232 million are undernourished, and 132 million more are at risk of poverty and food insecurity. Climate-smart solar pump irrigation technologies offer a promising solution by promoting renewable energy, enhancing efficiency, reducing emissions, and advancing environmental justice in marginalized areas. This study explores the factors influencing smallholder farmers’ acceptance of climate-smart solar pump irrigation technologies in northwest Ethiopia’s Upper Blue Nile Basin. Data were gathered from 646 households and focus group discussions across highland, midland, and lowland agroecologies. Analytical tools included descriptive statistics, F-tests, χ² tests, multinomial logit models, and content analysis. Key willingness to accept drivers include affordability (51%), suitability for remote areas (52.1%), environmental benefits (65%), no electricity cost post-installation (64.8%), fuel savings (65.4%), durability (34.3%), irrigation of mountainous areas (41.9%), potential for triple cropping (43.8%), increased productivity (49.9%), and potable water access (35%). Barriers include limited irrigation land, credit constraints, market and climate risks, high upfront costs, lack of knowledge, weak maintenance services, and low government support. The multinomial logit analysis showed that age, education, agroecology, land size, climate information access, extension services, and perceptions of climate change and cost significantly affect willingness to accept. The study recommends targeted training, financial incentives, stakeholder partnerships, reliable maintenance services, and awareness campaigns to enhance willingness to accept and promote sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture.

Suggested Citation

  • Abeje B. Fenta & Assefa A. Berhanu, 2025. "Switching on resilience: pathways to smallholder farmers’ embrace of Climate-Smart solar irrigation in North-western Ethiopia," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 178(10), pages 1-29, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:climat:v:178:y:2025:i:10:d:10.1007_s10584-025-04027-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s10584-025-04027-x
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