(Nakuru) – Nakuru County is set to benefit from a new initiative that will expand the use of renewable energy, with the goal of improving the vegetable production chain and supporting local farmers. The World Resources Institute (WRI), in collaboration with Strathmore University (SU), has launched the Productive Use of Renewable Energy (PURE) project, designed to advance renewable energy solutions in Kenya’s agriculture sector, with a specific focus on Nakuru and four other counties.
The PURE project aims to encourage investment in clean energy for critical farming activities such as production, refrigeration, and food processing. By identifying specific opportunities where renewable energy could be integrated, the project seeks to make vegetable farming more sustainable and efficient. Clean energy is expected to power various stages of the vegetable value chain, including equipment for irrigation, cooling, and other value-added processes, which could greatly reduce both costs and food waste.
Director for Environment, Energy, Climate Change, and Natural Resources in Nakuru County, Grace Karanja, explained that the project involves several activities. Key steps will include reviewing existing data, conducting interviews and discussions with farmers, and developing investable clean energy solutions. An investment prospectus for these opportunities will be created to attract funding from development partners, financial institutions, and other investors.
Karanja emphasized that Nakuru County’s commitment to renewable energy aligns with its dedication to helping local farmers thrive. By adopting clean energy solutions, the county aims to contribute to a greener future while boosting its agricultural productivity. She also noted that the use of renewable energy is an essential part of creating a sustainable farming system that benefits both the economy and the environment.
The PURE project focuses on increasing access to solar energy for farmers, allowing them to operate essential equipment such as water pumps for irrigation. This technology will enable farmers to irrigate their crops more reliably, thus enhancing productivity and ultimately increasing their income. Renewable energy options could also help farmers reduce household energy costs and power small-scale machines like flour mills, expanding economic opportunities.
In regions where similar systems are already in place, farmers have successfully increased output by using solar-powered irrigation. Cold storage facilities powered by solar energy can preserve the freshness and nutritional quality of vegetables, reducing post-harvest losses. Additionally, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems can power other agricultural equipment, such as grinders and presses, which are vital for food processing and value addition.
| PURE Project Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Irrigation | Solar-powered pumps increase crop output |
| Cold Storage | Solar energy preserves food quality |
| Value Addition | Solar PV powers grinders and processors |
| Economic Growth | Boosts income and job opportunities |
| Investment Opportunities | Attracts local and international investors |