Nicole Lefore

Business model scenarios and suitability: smallholder solar pump-based irrigation in Ethiopia. Agricultural Water Management – Making a Business Case for Smallholders

This report outlines a business model approach to assessing the feasibility and for encouraging investment in smallholder solar pump irrigation. It also proposes a new methodology for mapping the suitability of solar energy-based irrigation pumps. The proposed business model framework and the methodology for suitability mapping are applied to Ethiopia as a case study, based on data from existing case studies and reports. A brief analysis outlines the regulatory and institutional context for investment in solar pump irrigation, and the ways in which it both constrains and attempts to support investment. The report identifies and outlines three business model scenarios that present opportunities for investing in smallholder solar pump-based irrigation, which would contribute towards sustainable intensification for food and nutrition security. The business model scenarios are based on the value proposition of supplying water to smallholder farmers for irrigated agricultural production. Analysis of potential gains and benefits suggests that direct purchase of solar pumps by farmers is feasible, and that out-grower schemes and pump supplier options with bundled financing offer promising solutions. The potential constraints that different investors may face in up-scaling the business models are also discussed, particularly within institutional, regulatory and financial contexts. The report provides development actors and investors with evidence-based information on the suitability and sustainability of solar pump irrigation in Ethiopia, as well as suggestions for helping to enable smallholders to invest in individually-owned, smallholder photovoltaic (PV) solar pumps.

Establishing and strengthening irrigation water users associations (IWUAs) in Ethiopia: A manual for trainers

and strengthening irrigation water users associations (IWUAs) in Ethiopia: a manual for trainers. Dedication Philippe Lempériere initiated and provided the foundational ideas for this training manual, but passed away unexpectedly on February 04, 2014. This manual is principally dedicated to his wife Khalda and son Basile, who meant so much to Philippe. The manual also acts as a tribute to the work and experience Philippe contributed to increasing understanding and improving of irrigation practices in sub-Saharan Africa. Research for development using participatory rapid diagnosis and action planning for irrigated agricultural systems: a manual for development researchers and practitioners. Project Donors The authors are grateful for the financial support of the Government of Canada provided through the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD) Canada. This work has been undertaken as part of the CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems. IWMI is a member of the CGIAR Consortium and leads this program. The views expressed in this training manual are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the LIVES project and its partners. This manual was developed in the framework of the Livestock and Irrigation Value Chains for Ethiopian Smallholders (LIVES) project. The LIVES project is an initiative designed by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and their national partners to build upon the success of the Canadian International Development Agency-funded Improving productivity and market success of smallholders in Ethiopia project. INTroDUCTIoN This manual was developed in the framework of the LIVES project – Livestock and Irrigation Value Chains for Ethiopian Smallholders. LIVES is a project funded by the government of Canada and led by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and International Water Management Institute (IWMI)-. The project seeks market-led agricultural development for high value livestock and irrigated agriculture commodities in Ethiopia. 1 In the period between 2010 and 2015 Ethiopia plans to significantly increase its irrigated land from the current 640,000 ha to about 1.8 million ha, through small-scale irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and other medium-and large-scale irrigation projects. Ethiopia faces major technical, socioeconomic , institutional, and environmental challenges that must be met in order to achieve the national target. The performance of irrigation must be significantly improved. The 280 percent increase on current irrigation levels will require tremendous resources, including financial, human capacity, infrastructure, and other human and capital investments. Sustainable development of farmer-managed …