Agriculture is the backbone of Ethiopia’s economy, employing over 80% of the population and contributing significantly to GDP, yet it remains highly dependent on unreliable rainfall patterns. The project responded to increasing climate variability, limited electricity access in rural areas, and ecosystem degradation that constrain agricultural productivity and livelihoods.

The project promoted solar-powered irrigation systems (SPIS), off-grid solar electrification, and ecosystem restoration to strengthen climate resilience and improve productivity. It installed 7 small-scale and 1 large-scale solar irrigation systems, irrigating over 107 hectares of land and benefiting more than 605 farmers. In parallel, solar electrification was provided to three schools and one health center, benefiting over 5,000 students, teachers, and community members.

Capacity building was a core component, with 1,073 stakeholders trained, including farmers, engineers, government staff, and private sector actors. To enhance ecosystem services, 18,510 tree seedlings were planted and soil conservation measures implemented.

The project also developed feasibility studies covering 47 irrigation sites and multiple electrification investments, creating a pipeline for large-scale expansion. Overall, it demonstrated the potential of renewable energy-based solutions to improve food security, rural livelihoods, and environmental sustainability in Ethiopia.

The project aimed to strengthen climate resilience and improve agricultural productivity by promoting solar-powered irrigation systems, expanding access to modern energy, and restoring degraded ecosystems in rural Ethiopia.

Through pilot interventions and capacity building, the project benefited over 6,000 direct users, including more than 605 farmers, 5,000 students, teachers, and community members, and 1,073 trained stakeholders.

The expected result was increased adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices, improved access to reliable clean energy, enhanced ecosystem services, and strengthened institutional and market capacity to scale sustainable irrigation and rural electrification solutions.

Ethiopia’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, yet the sector remains vulnerable due to its dependence on rain-fed systems and increasing climate variability. Frequent droughts, uneven rainfall distribution, and land degradation have reduced agricultural productivity and threatened food security. Despite significant water and land resources suitable for irrigation, only about 3% of national food production is supported by irrigation, highlighting a major gap.

At the same time, rural electrification remains limited, constraining access to water, healthcare, education, and productive economic activities. Renewable energy resources such as solar power are abundant but underutilized, particularly in remote communities without grid access.

Environmental degradation, especially in watershed areas and forests, further exacerbates the problem by reducing water availability and ecosystem services. Unsustainable land use practices have led to soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and declining productivity in key agricultural zones such as the Rift Valley.

In this context, the project was designed to introduce integrated solutions combining solar irrigation, off-grid electrification, and ecosystem restoration. By addressing energy, water, and environmental challenges simultaneously, it supported a transition toward climate-smart agriculture and sustainable rural development.

The project delivered measurable improvements in agricultural productivity, energy access, and ecosystem restoration. Over 107 hectares of land were irrigated using solar-powered systems, benefiting more than 605 farmers and creating over 120 green jobs.

Solar electrification improved education and health services for over 5,000 people, including students, teachers, and healthcare users.

A total of 1,073 stakeholders were trained, strengthening local capacity across sectors. Additionally, 18,510 tree seedlings were planted, contributing to ecosystem restoration and improved water resource management.

The project also developed large-scale investment pipelines and feasibility studies, enabling future expansion and impact.