Nigerian women farmers cut $10bn food losses with renewable energy

Nigerian women farmers are increasingly turning to solar energy, embracing renewable solutions to cut the high costs associated with diesel generators. This transition is crucial in addressing Nigeria's staggering $10 billion in annual food losses and transforming agricultural practices.

Chinasa Asonye, a farmer in Lagos State and National Secretary of the Small-Scale Women Farmers Organisation (SWOFON), shared her experience. She previously spent tens of thousands of naira weekly on fuel for her generator, with frequent repairs adding to the burden. The unreliable electricity supply meant her fish ponds and poultry pens demanded constant power, driving up operating costs significantly.

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The expense of sustaining my farm kept rising as power supply worsened. In certain months, I estimated that operating the generator cost nearly N400,000.

"The expense of sustaining my farm kept rising as power supply worsened," Asonye told The PUNCH. "In certain months, I estimated that operating the generator cost nearly N400,000." This substantial amount, she noted, could have been used for expansion, hiring staff, or boosting cooperative savings.

A friend's adoption of solar power inspired Asonye to explore the option. Despite initial hesitation due to the upfront cost, she recognized the long-term benefits over recurring fuel expenses and generator repairs. Now, solar panels power her poultry business and fish farm, activities that once depended entirely on fossil fuels. Asonye has since connected other women in her cooperative with the same installer, facilitating access to renewable energy through cooperative financing.

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Renewable energy products like solar are something that most farmers are now embracing because of what is happening with electricity. Farmers now use solar pumps to pump water, poultry farmers install solar for lighting, while processors are also adopting solar systems.