At the core of LIFEWS (Lichipu Foundation for Food, Energy and Water Sustainability), a non-governmental organization bridging technology and rural empowerment, is its flagship Agrivoltaics Initiative—a bold, future-driven solution that seeks to transform land use, strengthen food systems, and equip rural communities with the tools to thrive in a changing climate. By merging solar power with climate-smart agriculture, the initiative addresses Africa’s interconnected food, energy, and water challenges, with focused impact beginning in Nigeria.
Led by Gabriel S. Ayayia, Founder of LIFEWS and a Doctoral Researcher at Oregon State University—one of the leading land-grant institutions in the Pacific Northwest—the initiative blends academic rigor with grassroots insight to drive meaningful, lasting impact. Through international mentorship from top researchers at Oregon State University and collaborative research efforts with other institutions, it bridges advanced innovation with local realities to deliver scalable, context-specific solutions.
To promote knowledge transfer and accelerate local adoption in Nigeria, LIFEWS Foundation is partnering with AUST Abuja to host the 1st International Agrivoltaics Workshop—convening experts, policymakers, and farmers to advance integrated solutions for food, energy, and water security across Nigeria and Africa.
To create sustainable solutions for food, energy, and water security in Nigeria by integrating agrIvoltaic technology and empowering communities with climate-smart agricultural practices.
To transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape through innovative, community-driven practices that promote resilience, sustainability, and prosperity for generations to come.
Over the next three years, the initiative aims to:
- Empower 3,000 Farmers: Introduce agrivoltaic technology to revolutionize farming practices.
- Boost Renewable Energy Production: Generate 10 megawatts of solar energy to enhance rural energy resilience.
- Increase Agricultural Yields: Enhance crop productivity by 15–20% through efficient land use and water management.
- Conserve Natural Resources: Reduce water usage by up to 30% while improving farm efficiency.
These efforts will support sustainable livelihoods, address Nigeria’s energy and food challenges, and contribute to the nation’s climate goals.
- Renewable Energy: Solar-powered systems for sustainable energy generation
- Sustainable Agriculture: Advanced land use techniques to improve crop yields and optimize resources
- Community Development: Training programs and technical support to empower farmers and create jobs
- Environmental Sustainability: Innovative water conservation strategies to reduce reliance on non-renewable resources