Empowering Nigerian farmers: Lessons from Project Clean Green

Across Nigeria, smallholder farmers face mounting challenges from climate change and rising fuel costs. In response, Shell Foundation and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) have partnered with AFEX to deliver Project Clean Green (PCG), an initiative designed to bring solar-powered farming equipment to rural communities.

What’s Working: Real Impact on the Ground

The PCG pilot introduced solar irrigation pumps, millers, threshers, and dehydrators to farmers in Kaduna, Kebbi, and Jigawa states. The results have been encouraging:

• Every participating farmer switched from petrol-powered to solar pumps, using them regularly throughout the week.
• By removing the need for petrol, farmers have saved money and avoided the stress of unpredictable fuel prices and shortages.
• Some farmers have been able to expand their farms and boost rice production by over 40 percent, thanks to reliable solar irrigation.
• More than half of the farmers said they would invest in the solar equipment, showing strong confidence in the technology.
• Loan repayments have exceeded expectations, with many farmers paying more than required, reflecting the positive impact on their incomes.

Challenges: What’s Holding Farmers Back

Despite these successes, several hurdles remain:

• There aren’t enough local manufacturers or vendors for solar-powered equipment, which limits options for farmers and slows down adoption.
• Insurance for solar assets is difficult to secure. Available policies don’t cover theft or damage in a way that fits farmers’ needs, and practical solutions are still needed.
• Many farmers own plots in different locations, making it hard to share equipment or move bulky solar panels without risk of damage.
• The removal of fuel subsidies has made petrol expensive and hard to find, adding pressure to those still reliant on traditional equipment.

Moving Forward: Solutions and Next Steps

Building on the pilot’s achievements, PCG is looking to expand access to clean energy solutions for agriculture. The team is working to:

• Strengthen local supply chains by partnering with manufacturers and vendors, making it easier for farmers to get the equipment and support they need.
• Develop insurance products that are tailored to the realities of rural farming, protecting farmers’ investments in solar technology.
• Offer flexible ownership models, including both individual and shared options, to suit different farm sizes and locations.
• Continue training and support, ensuring farmers can use and maintain new equipment with confidence.

The Role of Shell Foundation and FCDO

Shell Foundation and FCDO have been central to PCG’s success. Shell Foundation led the engagement of independent consultants to monitor and evaluate the project, ensuring that lessons are learned and shared. Support from FCDO, through UKaid, has helped the project reach marginalised communities and prioritise women’s participation, with a target of 30 percent female beneficiaries.
Together, these partners are helping Nigerian farmers adapt to climate change, improve their livelihoods, and build a more resilient future for their communities.