Hannington Katehangwa
In Katwire, a small village in Ruyonza Sub- County, Kyegegwa district of Uganda, life for most locals has been transformed, and communities attribute this to solar energy. Farmers, who for years battled inconsistent rainfall, energy shortages, and a lack of modern agricultural practices, are now harnessing the sun’s energy to turn their fortunes around.
Solar energy, harvested freely from the sun, is driving sustainable farming practices, improving productivity, and raising the standard of living for many households in this rural community.
In this community and the whole of the Ruyonza sub-county, agriculture has historically been rain-fed, making farmers and business communities vulnerable to climate change’s unpredictable nature.
Prolonged dry spells often result in poor harvests, leaving families struggling to make ends meet. In addition, the lack of access to affordable energy sources makes it difficult for farmers to irrigate their crops, store produce, or engage in value addition such as drying and processing.
For years, many farmers have had no choice but to rely on kerosene for lighting, which is expensive and hazardous to their health. Additionally, traditional diesel-powered water pumps are costly, and only rich people can afford them, leaving many farmers needing irrigation. Also, high input costs and low yields kept many families trapped in poverty.
However, the Katwire community is changing with the introduction of solar energy by the government of Uganda through Kyegegwa Rural Electricity Cooperative Society Limited—KRECS.
In this village alone, 163 homes use solar energy, while 120 businesses operate under solar power.
Bringing Power to the People
Solar energy initiatives have gained momentum in the Ruyonza Sub- County in the Kyegegwa district in the past five years. These initiatives aim to make affordable solar solutions accessible to farmers, enabling them to harness the abundant sunshine in the region for productive use.
One of the most significant ways solar energy has impacted the Ruyonza sub-county, especially in Katwire village, is through solar-powered irrigation systems and businesses using solar energy to keep their businesses moving. With unreliable rainfall, irrigation has always been a critical need for farmers in the area. Solar-powered water pumps allow farmers to irrigate their fields year-round without the recurring fuel costs associated with diesel pumps.
Musinguzi Nelson is among the farmers in Katwire community who use solar energy to boost their farms.
“Before solar irrigation, we relied on rainwater, and during the dry season, our crops would fail. Now, I can water my fields anytime, and my yields have tripled. It has been a game-changer for my farm,” Nelson explains.
Similarly, Mujuni Matheus, a coffee farmer in Katwire whose plantation covers eight hectares of land, believes his farm yields have increased after he started using the solar system he got from the government through KREC.
“Before solar came to us, the story was different from what I see on my farm now,” he explains, noting that he has kept the coffee plants green throughout the season, enabling him to harvest more than ever.
Beyond the agricultural sector, solar energy is improving the quality of life for the residents of Katwire. Solar-powered lighting has replaced the traditional Kerosene lamps in many households, providing a cleaner, safer, and more affordable light source. This has improved indoor air quality and extended farmers’ working hours, as they can now tend to their indoor agriculture investment and operations after sunset.
In particular, solar lighting has made a profound difference for women, who often bear the burden of household chores. Tasks that once had to be completed during daylight hours can now be done after sunset, giving them more time to engage in income-generating activities during the day.
Murungi Joan Abooki has lived long in Katwire to witness the wrath of using kerosene lamps, the village having no water, and everything transforming after the solar system revolution.
“We no longer have to worry about buying kerosene; my children can study at night without straining their eyes.” Joan narrates
The impact of solar energy extends beyond individual farms and homesteads. Solar power is driving economic growth in the region by empowering farmers to increase their productivity. As farmers produce more, they create demand for local markets and traders. Additionally, solar-powered value addition has encouraged the growth of small-scale agro-processing businesses, further stimulating the local economy.
One example is the rise of solar-powered maize mills in Katwire community. In the past, farmers would often travel long distances to access mills in nearby towns that used kerosene, but now the narrative reads differently.
Solar-powered mills are available locally; farmers can mill their maize into the maize floor quickly, enabling them to add value to their produce and fetch a higher price.
Solar energy has also created jobs, mostly for the youths, in Katwire. Several youths are now technicians installing, maintaining, and repairing solar equipment, maize, millet, and cassava mills, providing them to earn a living. Solar enterprises are also cropping up, with entrepreneurs selling solar lamps, panels, and appliances, contributing to the local economy.
Environmental Sustainability
Solar energy reduces homes’ reliance on fossil fuels, lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Fossil fuel refers to non-renewable energy sources such as crude oil, petroleum products, and non-renewable wastes. This aligns with Uganda’s broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable energy practices.
Aggrey Agaba, the Kyegegwa district environment officer, notes that the inception of solar energy in the district has helped to reduce carbon footprints, which is better for farmers.
“Solar energy is helping us reduce our carbon footprint. It is good for the farmers and even better for the environment,” Agaba notes. A carbon footprint refers to the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere due to the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community.
Joconius Musingwire, an environmental scientist and conservationist, believes that harnessing solar energy in Uganda is a better option, especially for conserving and protecting the environment.
“Using solar energy is not just about addressing the energy shortfall; it is a sustainable solution that mitigates the environmental impacts of deforestation and fossil fuel dependency,” explains Musingwire.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the impact of solar energy in Katwire village is undeniable, challenges remain.
Despite being more affordable than traditional energy solutions in the long run, the initial cost of solar equipment can still be a barrier for low-income farmers. Organizations are working to provide financing options, including pay-as-you-go models, to make solar technology more accessible to everyone.
Additionally, the need for training and technical support is crucial. Some farmers struggle with operating and maintaining solar systems, highlighting the importance of ongoing education to maximize the technology’s benefits.
Despite these challenges, the future looks bright for Katwire community. As more farmers adopt solar solutions and see the benefits, the movement towards clean energy will likely grow, transforming agriculture and uplifting communities.
