Assessment of Solar Aided Agriculture in Rwanda

Abstract

An assessment of a solar irrigation project in the Bugesera District of the Eastern Province of Rwanda is presented. This Rwandan project is a replica of one completed last year in the Wakiso District of Uganda. The Bugesera District shares many climatic, economic and social characteristics with the Wakiso District. The profitability of the Ugandan agricultural cooperative since installation of solar irrigation is evaluated. A cost and return analysis of the solar intervention for the Rwandan fruit farm is presented. Discussion is given to effects associated with large scale pumping of groundwater.