Expert calls for increased utilisation of agrivoltaics to drive food production
Femi Oye, CEO of OneWattSolar, has advocated for the adoption of agrivoltaics in Nigeria as a sustainable method to address rising energy demands and agricultural land displacement. Agrivoltaics combines solar energy production with agricultural practices, integrating solar photovoltaic (PV) panels with crop cultivation, livestock grazing, and aquaculture on the same land. This innovative approach can optimize land use while promoting clean energy production and boosting agricultural productivity.
Oye emphasized Nigeria’s favorable conditions for agrivoltaics, given its abundant sunlight and vast agricultural lands. By leveraging agrivoltaics, Nigeria can align its energy production with agricultural activities, contributing to food security and economic growth. He further highlighted the potential of this approach to reduce dependence on centralized power grids, particularly in rural areas, through decentralized renewable energy generation.
He called for government collaboration with local authorities to increase the adoption of agrivoltaics, recommending policy measures such as subsidies, incentives, and financial assistance to support farmers. Agrivoltaics, already implemented successfully in Europe, the U.S., and parts of Asia, could also provide Nigerian farmers with increased income and yield while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering climate adaptation.
Source: BusinessDay
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders:
As Nigeria faces the dual challenges of rising energy demand and the displacement of agricultural land, agrivoltaics presents a compelling solution for maximizing land use efficiency while supporting both energy production and food security. By integrating solar panels into agricultural systems, farmers can continue productive agricultural activities while generating clean energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and improving their financial resilience.
Key Benefits for Agri-Food Stakeholders:
Increased Crop Yield and Income: Agrivoltaics not only provides farmers with additional income from solar energy production but also enhances agricultural productivity by creating a favorable microclimate for crops. Studies from regions where agrivoltaics is already in use, such as Europe and the U.S., demonstrate that this system can boost crop yields by improving water retention and reducing heat stress.
Climate-Smart Agriculture: With 70% of Nigeria’s population reliant on agriculture for their livelihoods, the need for climate-smart solutions is critical. Agrivoltaics contributes to building climate resilience by protecting crops from excessive heat and drought, while reducing the environmental impact of traditional fossil fuel-based energy systems. This makes it a valuable tool for smallholder farmers facing climate-related challenges.
Optimized Land Use: Nigeria has vast arable land and abundant sunlight, which positions it uniquely for agrivoltaics. By utilizing land for both solar energy production and agriculture, farmers can maximize land efficiency without sacrificing crop output. This system can also support livestock grazing and aquaculture, further enhancing its applicability to various sectors within the agri-food system.
Support for Rural Electrification: Rural communities in Nigeria often face unreliable access to electricity, which impacts agricultural productivity and post-harvest processing. Agrivoltaics, as a decentralized energy solution, can bridge this gap by providing off-grid solar power to rural farmers, reducing their dependence on centralized power grids and boosting overall energy security.
Call for Policy and Investment: For agrivoltaics to thrive in Nigeria, the federal and state governments need to collaborate closely with the private sector and local authorities to establish a supportive policy framework. This includes offering subsidies, financial incentives, and technical assistance to farmers willing to adopt agrivoltaics. Investment in training programs and awareness campaigns will also be essential to educate farmers on the economic and environmental benefits of this technology.
The Federal Government’s energy transition plan, coupled with localized initiatives, can significantly expedite the deployment of agrivoltaics. It’s critical for stakeholders, including government bodies, private sector investors, and development agencies, to recognize the transformative potential of agrivoltaics and to prioritize it as part of Nigeria’s broader strategy for achieving food security and sustainable energy.
