Solar Market Gardens

The Kalalé district of Benin, in Sub-Saharan West Africa, falls within a semi-arid region, just below the Sahel. Kalalé’s growing season is limited by the six- to eight-month-long dry season. The SMG concept was designed to respond to the community’s food insecurity and rapidly desertifying climate.

The design, a collaboration between SELF and the International Crops Research Institute of the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), is innovative not only because of its energy- and water-efficient, pressure-fed drip irrigation system and the unique use of photovoltaic (PV) technology as a driver for irrigation but also because of the directly coupled PV and pumping system. Connecting the solar panels directly to the water pump eliminates the need for expensive, high-maintenance batteries and makes the system less expensive, less vulnerable, and easier to operate. This technical design, in conjunction with ongoing agricultural training, has provided a comprehensive project model that can be adapted for replication throughout the semi-arid tropics and other vulnerable regions.

The SMG project has installed 11 half-hectare gardens with a 12th under construction. These gardens are managed by SELF's local, women-led NGO partner, ADESCA. 400 women produce over 30 varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables monthly during the dry season. The project has significantly increased women's income and food security, enhanced their status in the community, and provided environmental benefits by sequestering CO2 and avoiding carbon emissions. Moreover, the project has shown social innovation by empowering women and promoting their leadership in agriculture and community projects.