The LIFEWS Agrivoltaics Initiative in Nigeria and Africa
The LIFEWS Agrivoltaics Initiative, led by the LIFEWS Foundation for Food, Energy, and Water Sustainability, is redefining the future of climate-smart agriculture across Nigeria and Africa.
In partnership with global research institutions such as Oregon State University, we are integrating innovative agrivoltaic systems—combining solar energy generation with agricultural production—to tackle the region’s most urgent challenges: food insecurity, unreliable energy access, and water scarcity.
Discover how we’re transforming farmlands into engines of sustainability and resilience.
🎯 Our Focus
At LIFEWS, our work is driven by research and impact. We explore how technology can enhance the adaptive capacity of African communities, particularly in rural and climate-vulnerable regions.
By combining renewable energy with sustainable farming, we aim to:
- Optimize land use
- Empower farmers and local economies
- Promote climate resilience
- Build scalable solutions to the Food–Energy–Water (FEW) crisis
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01. Optimize Land Use:
Implement dual-use agrivoltaics systems that produce food and generate solar energy on the same land.
02. Enhance Food Security:
Improve crop yields and farm productivity through climate-smart farming techniques under solar-integrated structures.
03. Promote Renewable Energy:
Bring affordable, clean energy to off-grid and underserved rural communities.
04. Advance Water Sustainability:
Support water conservation through reduced evaporation, smart irrigation, and rainwater harvesting.
05. Empower Communities:
Foster local ownership, create green jobs, and increase access to sustainable technologies for youth, women, and farmers.
Pilot Project Impact
By 2025, demonstrate the viability of agrivoltaics systems in select Nigerian farming regions, improving crop yields by 20% and providing clean energy access to over 1,000 rural households.
National Expansion
By 2030, expand agrovoltaic integration to key agricultural zones across Nigeria, contributing to national renewable energy targets and enhancing the livelihoods of over 500,000 farmers.
Research and Innovation
Generate actionable insights through ongoing collaboration with global research institutions, paving the way for new technologies and methodologies in sustainable agriculture.
Nigeria faces a unique convergence of agricultural challenges, including climate change, water scarcity, and energy deficits. Agrivoltaic systems offer a transformative solution by enabling dual land use for energy and agriculture. This approach supports sustainable development, reduces environmental impact, and aligns with Nigeria’s long-term goals for renewable energy and food security.
