Understanding the Pathways for Adoption of Solar Technologies for Irrigation by Women Farmers, Senegal

Abstract

In Senegal, like many sub-Saharan African countries, the intensification of irrigated agriculture can help to reduce food insecurity and poverty, but this requires energy to access water. However, women, who comprise the main agricultural workforce, lack access to solar technology for irrigation in agriculture (STI) and therefore rely on diesel pumps, which increase their irrigation costs and contribute to pollution. This paper investigates how and why women horticulturalists in Senegal’s Niayes zone adopt solar irrigation technologies. Using survey data from 366 women horticulturists, the authors estimate actual and potential adoption rates with an Average Treatment Effect (ATE) framework and identify determinants through a Probit model. Key findings reveal low current adoption (26%) despite awareness, and highlight decision-making power, secure land tenure, plot size, and marital status as significant drivers. The study also showed that in polygamous households, the fact that the woman is the first wife of the household head increases her likelihood of adopting STIs, unlike the second and third wives. Finally, it has been noted that widowed women are more likely to adopt STIs. The study recommends pairing technology supply with measures that strengthen women’s control over land, finance, and on-farm decisions.