Wala

Harnessing the Sun for Increased Agricultural Productivity

This project will provide solar irrigation technology and technical training to farmers in Malawi, enabling them to move from subsistence agriculture to commercial agribusiness. Farmers will purchase solar water pumps with soft loans from FINCOOP, a member-based finance cooperative. Wala and its partners will provide each customer with training on: the use and maintenance of solar irrigation technology; agribusiness techniques to maximize land productivity and crop diversification; climate change adaptation, mitigation and water conservation; and business and financial management. With EEP Africa financing, Wala will pilot the solar pump technology and the lease-to-own business model for low-income farmers.

Outcome and Impact

The project will offer enhanced access to clean energy and water to 660 people in rural, low-income farming communities. The project expects to distribute 150 pumps and create over 150 new jobs, predominantly for women. Wala will especially target local farmer clubs with a high proportion of women members.