Report: EnDev with support from the IKEA Foundation reveal details about the PUE sector in Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda

On January 2022, EnDev with support from IKEA foundation commissioned a detailed study about the productive use energy (PUE) sector in Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda. The commissioned study, titled Sustainable Energy for Smallholder Farmers (SEFFA), revealed insights into the energy need of smallholder farmers and a diagnostic of current technologies in the diary and horticulture sector.

The Sustainable Energy for Smallholder Farmers (SEFFA) in Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda project was designed by leveraging over 15 years of practical experience of EnDev. The strategic partnership identified lack of modern energy access as one of the critical development barriers in rural areas since it undermines agricultural productivity, exacerbates pre- and post-harvest loss, and makes it challenging to store and process produce. The IKEA Foundation has provided an EUR 8 million grant to support EnDev’s efforts.

During the inception phase, SEFFA has commissioned a baseline study and market assessment in all three countries where the project is implemented. The technological focus has been on irrigation, cooling and drying technologies. The study aimed to inform the design of SEFFA by

1. providing a diagnostic of current production systems and energy needs,
2. conducting a market assessment of PUE technologies,
3. developing business cases for each country,
4. establishing key indicators to measure project performance.

The study provided insights on various technical aspects. It analyzed the commercial and technical viability of several technologies such as solar powered irrigation or solar cooling for the use in agricultural value chains.

The study states that Given these opportunities, to increase uptake of such PUE technologies among dairy and horticulture producers and processors, GIZ and SNV need to support stakeholders with:

• Creating awareness
• Technical pilots
• Designing customized financial products for farmers to invest in solar powered PUE technologies
• Marketing efforts of PUE technologies
• Policy advocacy to reduce import barriers for PUE technology components

If you are interested to see the full baseline study and market assessment document please click [here]