Makueni Agrivoltaics
In December 2023, we took a significant step forward by initiating the implementation of the first Agrivoltaics site in a community of farmers located in Makueni County, Kenya. This groundbreaking project is the inaugural effort in what we envision will be a series of transformative initiatives designed to improve the lives of farming communities across the region and beyond. The project is more than just a research endeavour—it represents a holistic approach to community development that integrates sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and local empowerment.
The success of the Makueni Agrivoltaics project hinges on the active engagement and participation of the local farming community. From the outset, we have prioritized involving the farmers in every stage of the project, ensuring that they are not only informed but deeply invested in its outcomes. By fostering a sense of ownership and commitment, we aim to empower these farmers to take the lead in operating and managing the site once our research phase is complete. This approach is vital for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project, as it transforms the site into a community-driven resource that continues to benefit the local population well into the future.
The Makueni site is more than a research facility; it is a comprehensive platform that addresses multiple challenges faced by the community. The energy generated by the solar panels powers water pumps, providing much-needed irrigation to fields that were once parched by drought, enabling farmers to cultivate their land year-round and increase crop yields. Beneath the solar panels, a variety of crops have been planted to demonstrate both nutritional benefits and economic potential, while also enhancing the efficiency of the solar panels through shading and cooling.
The research conducted at the Makueni site is supervised by teams from the Arava and the University of Arizona, focusing on critical topics such as crop performance, water and soil management practices, and economic models adaptable to the local context. These insights not only refine the current project but also inform future initiatives to ensure they meet the specific needs and challenges of the communities they serve.
In 2025, we expanded the site to include open-field advanced farming plots. These plots showcase the cultivation of indigenous crops using modern techniques such as drip irrigation and targeted fertilization, while also providing farmers with hands-on farm-to-market training. By demonstrating both the technical and economic potential of these crops, the plots help farmers see that sustainable and profitable farming is achievable.
The Makueni site continues to serve as a living example of community-led development, where research, innovation, and local engagement come together to create meaningful and lasting impact. We anticipate that the site will continue to evolve, inspiring further collaboration and encouraging more organizations to participate in supporting sustainable, community-driven agriculture across the region and beyond.
