Solar Power and Drip Irrigation Improve Tanzania’s Mango Farms

Frequent and extended droughts in Tanzania’s semi-arid regions are increasingly occurring due to the impacts of climate change, both present and anticipated.

These droughts are among the most serious threats to water supply, food security, and local livelihoods. Climate change affects the amount and quality of water by changing river flows, increasing evaporation, and stressing stream ecosystems.

Communities reliant on climate-sensitive practices, such as rainfed agriculture and natural water sources, face heightened vulnerability. Consequently, these droughts often result in poor agricultural yields and increased poverty within these regions.

In Chamwino, one of Tanzania’s seven districts, mango farming has become an important source of income and livelihood for local farmers. While the country’s mango industry grows, the lack of a reliable irrigation system threatens future production.

Over the years, Chamwino’s water supply has declined due to overuse, poor management, and more frequent droughts. Farmers once used diesel-powered pumps for irrigation, but rising fuel costs, irregular maintenance, and frequent breakdowns eventually forced them to abandon the equipment, which had dire consequences for mango production.

Fortunately, mango farming in Chamwino saw a significant turnaround in 2019 with the introduction of decentralised solar power. Through a partnership between the World Resources Institute (WRI) and Tanzania’s Traditional Energy Development Organization (TaTEDO), funding was provided to the local farming cooperative, AMCOS, to install solar-powered water pumps capable of irrigating 80 hectares (200 acres) and a drip irrigation system covering 10 hectares (25 acres).

The impact of these upgrades has been transformative. Farmers reported that between 2021 and 2022, their mango production more than doubled, and their average income from mango sales nearly doubled. The new systems also eliminated the need for the physically demanding task of fetching water from wells, as water is now delivered through pipes and distributed efficiently via drip irrigation, saving farmers both time and money.

In addition to the irrigation improvements, farmers received training in agricultural best practices, such as intercropping or growing two or more crops in the same space. This method boosts yields, improves water efficiency, and reduces the need for harmful chemicals and fertilisers.

However, challenges remain. While solar pumps have helped meet the critical irrigation needs of farmers in Chamwino, they do not address Tanzania’s broader issue of water scarcity. Solving this requires sustainable water management, conservation efforts, efficient irrigation practices, and stronger governance.

Secondly, for innovative irrigation systems to be sustainable in the long run, farmers need the skills and knowledge to maintain and repair them. In Chamwino, clogged pipes and limited water storage capacity have prevented the system from reaching its full potential. As a result, the goal of irrigating 200 acres was not met, and many farmers were left out.

Third, there is still a shortage of support resources. To build on the initiative’s early success, ongoing training and assistance are needed, particularly in best farming practices and access to essential tools and equipment.

While solar-powered pumps and drip irrigation have significantly improved mango farming in Chamwino, they represent only a partial solution to the larger challenge of water scarcity in Tanzania’s semi-arid regions.

Poor water management, inadequate infrastructure, and the effects of climate change worsen this issue. The progress made so far highlights the need for sustained investment in infrastructure, capacity building for farmers, and a long-term commitment to sustainable water management in the region and across the country.

Learn more about how solar power is revitalising agriculture in Chamwino. Visit the links below.