Solar Water Pump And Irrigation Project

Elina farms outside Katete in Eastern Province, where she used to grow tomatoes, cabbage and onions for one rainy season and then stop. A diesel pump was technically affordable at $205 to $500, but the fuel cost made dry-season watering impossible, so her land sat idle for months.

In 2025 Kukula Solar changed that pattern. Through its project for 400 smallholders in Chipata and Katete, Elina received a portable solar pump and training on how to use it and grow more sustainably. With no fuel to buy, she began irrigating in August and September when market prices are highest, expanded from half a hectare to just over a hectare, and added carrots and potatoes to her rotation.

The money she once spent on petrol now pays her daughters' school fees and buys better food at home. That shift — from seasonal income and fuel dependence to year-round production and household investment — is exactly what Kukula designed the pumps to deliver across Eastern Zambia.

In rural Zambia, smallholder farmers face challenges in irrigating their land, relying on rain-fed agriculture. But with the introduction of solar water pumps, farmers in this region are experiencing a game-changer. These pumps enable year-round irrigation, increasing crop yields and diversifying produce. Farmers are now growing more maize, vegetables, and cash crops, boosting food security and income.

The solar pumps have reduced labor, freeing up time for other activities. Women, in particular, benefit from reduced drudgery, with more time for childcare and other pursuits. Increased income has improved livelihoods, with families investing in education, healthcare, and better housing.

The pumps have also fostered community development, with some farmers forming cooperatives to manage and maintain the systems. This has promoted social cohesion and knowledge sharing. As one farmer noted, "The solar pump has transformed our lives, giving us hope for a brighter future."

With reliable water access, farmers are resilient to climate variability, ensuring a steady income stream. Solar water pumps are revolutionizing farming in rural Zambia, empowering smallholder farmers to thrive.