Kampala hosts high level forum to make a case for solar-powered irrigation

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As climate change effects such as long dry spells and reduced rainfall patterns continue to threaten Uganda’s agricultural sector, solar-powered irrigation systems (SPIS) are emerging as one of the most promising climate-smart technologies to strengthen resilience and increase productivity for the country’s smallholder farmers.

However, for these to be embraced by the farming community, experts have embarked on a study to find out the appropriate technologies and funding requirements for each system for farmers to make a choice.

The study, conducted under the Danida-funded Accelerating Climate Technology Transition (ACTT) project, UNEP-CCC, in partnership with Mercy Corps Uganda, GGGI, FAO and UNCDF, assessed the market for irrigation systems in Uganda, enabling environment, and the business and financing models needed for scale.

Such are the findings that stakeholders are expected to release to farmers today, May 6, 2026, at the GoldenTulip Hotel in Kampala.

The dissemination exercise is organised by UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, the United Nations, Mercy Corps Uganda, Global Green Growth Institute and Capital Development Fund.

According to a statement from the Food and Agriculture Organisation, the report will be used to inform targeted policies and incentives needed for crowdfunding in the irrigation systems market.

The statement adds that the one-day forum will bring together policymakers, private-sector actors, financial institutions, development partners, and farmer organisations to discuss the investment case for SPIS, explore innovative financing models, and identify pathways to scale climate-resilient irrigation solutions across the country.