Winnie Sebata
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Authors
Martha Katsi Munyoro
Issue Date
2016-12
Type
Language
en
Keywords
Energy
Alternative Title
Abstract
Locations of the project: Nsanje, Chikwawa Districts (Malawi); Gwanda District (Zimbabwe) Specific objective: To create an enabling environment in Malawi and Zimbabwe that allows public and private sector energy actors to engage in the rural electrification market Final beneficiaries: 30,000 men, women and children in isolated rural Malawi and Zimbabwe (including two primary schools and one clinic; four Irrigation Management Committees (one in Zimbabwe, three in Malawi); 16 Rural Entrepreneur Kiosk Operators; four Community Energy Service Companies (CESCos) and nine small businesses) The areas which the project is being implemented from are so poor and remote. They are not connected to the national electricity grid and unlikely to ever be connected because of their remoteness. Even if they were, the cost of the electricity would be exorbitant. However, using the abundant, free resource of the sun for solar voltaic panels to power pumps, water can be drawn from significantly deeper depths than a treadle pump that were being used before. Instead of spending up to six to seven hours incessant pumping to irrigate their farms per day, farmers can be using this valuable time to do other things like household chores, start small businesses, and attend to their children. Furthermore children can also attend school. With this technology the farmers can be sure of a viable and consistent supply of water for their crops.