This study examines the current trend of solar-powered irrigation system (SPIS) use in Sana’a Basin, identifying the pros and cons of this approach. It presents the perspectives of farmers and experts in terms of what is happening and what should be done to maximize the benefits and minimize the negative impacts of SPIS.
Yemen is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world,with renewable water resources currently capable of providing only 75 m3 per capita per year– well below the water scarcity threshold. And this volume is steadily dropping. The agricultural sector in Yemen is the dominant user of groundwater resources,accounting for around 90 percent of total consumption.
Due to the current crisis, fuel required for pumps has become scarce and very expensive; as a result, solar energy has begun to play a role in the extraction and supply of groundwater for irrigation. However, there is concern about the misuse of this new technology. This study examines the current trend of solar-powered irrigation system (SPIS) use in Sana’a Basin, identifying
the pros and cons of this approach. It presents the perspectives of farmers and experts in terms of what is happening and what should be done to maximize the benefits and minimize the negative impacts of SPIS.The incidence of SPIS installation is increasing at a rate of more than 4 percent annually. Farmers spoken to as a part of this study expressed enthusiasm to use SPIS and cited capital cost as the biggest obstacle to their acquiring this technology.
This paper proposes governance and policy recommendations for overall water management and, in particular, for future studies and regulation of SPIS-driven groundwater use. Setting appropriate policies for water-pumping powered by renewable energy will help to conserve groundwater sources and sustainably preserve livelihoods.
Other resources you may be interested in:
Local Service Provision During War: A Case Study of Yemen
This journal article analyzes how conflict has shaped local service delivery across five Yemeni governorates and shows how governance capacity, political stability, resources, and external support, in particular humanitarian aid, effect outcomes. By analyzing how these elements shape local governance capacities, the paper highlights the disparities in service delivery and the challenges faced by local […]
Strengthening Institutional and Economic Resilience in Yemen (SIERY) – Final Evaluation Report.
This final project evaluation assesses the UNDP SIERY project’s performance from 2020–2025 in strengthening local governance, public service delivery, and economic resilience across nine governorates in Yemen. Given this project has been the largest project in terms of funding volume and geographical coverage supporting local governance in Yemen, it offers interesting insights in the opportunities […]
The Hadhramawt National Council: A strategic move or a tactical reaction?
Discussion of the HNC’s potential to serve as an inclusive platform for Hadhrami aspirations and its challenges in establishing a clear strategic direction, while analysing whether it represents a strategic initiative or a tactical response to regional and local dynamics. The paper recenters HNC’s main role as to unify various Hadhrami movements advocating for greater […]
