The agri-food system in Africa is under increasing pressure from the impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, shorter but more intense rainy seasons, and prolonged dry spells are placing immense strain on African farmers – particularly the 60% of the population employed in agriculture – many of whom rely on subsistence farming (Africa Development Bank, 2019).

These climate-related stresses directly threaten food security and the well- being of millions of households. Yet, there is significant potential to improve agricultural resilience. Currently, only about 6% of Africa’s cultivated land is irrigated (FAO, 2024), and most of it depends on diesel- powered pumps, which impose high and recurring costs on farmers.