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Solar-Powered Gardens in Benin Reduce Poverty & Food Insecurity

August 16, 2017 by Shanna Edberg

The Solar Electric Light Fund is providing solar-powered pumps that combine with drip irrigation systems to women farmers in Benin. These pumps allow women to farm year-round despite the 6-month dry season, and save them from having to haul water by hand for long distances. As a result of the pumps, food production has increased enough not only to feed the women and their families, but to sell the produce and increase their earnings. This has also had the effect of raising the status of the women in the communities, since they are now seen as successful entrepeneurs.

Climate Protection: Prevents carbon emissions Energy & Mobility: Reduces energy poverty Resilience: Improves food security during the dry season Food & Water: Increases availability of fresh produce and water Jobs & Assets: Increases income; gives women time to work and study rather than fetching water Health, Well-Being, & Safety: Avoids the dangers of long treks to fetch water; reduces malnutrition Connection: Improves women’s status in their communities

This post is part of a series on examples of ​multisolving, or climate-smart policies that simultaneously work to mitigate climate change while providing co-benefits such as the ones described above. The multiple benefits analysis was done using the ​FLOWER framework.