Nigeria’s agricultural sector could be on the cusp of a major transformation, thanks to solar energy, according to Dr. Femi Oye, Chief Executive of SMEFUNDS, a social enterprise focused on empowering small and medium-sized enterprises.
Speaking on the growing potential of renewable energy in farming, Dr. Oye urged for the widespread adoption of solar-powered technologies to combat the sector’s persistent energy shortfall. “Without reliable electricity, farmers can’t fully embrace mechanisation or preserve produce,” he said, highlighting the impact of power deficits on post-harvest losses and food production.
Oye pointed to solar-powered irrigation pumps and cold storage units as game-changing innovations already gaining traction across rural Nigeria. These technologies, he explained, allow farmers to water crops efficiently and store perishable produce for longer, cutting waste and improving yields.
He also spotlighted agri voltaics—a method that allows land to be used for both solar power and crop cultivation—as a promising solution for optimising land use. Electric tractors and milling machines powered by solar are also making headway, offering cleaner and cheaper alternatives to diesel-run equipment.
But for this transformation to take root, he said, there must be supportive policies, financing frameworks, and training. “Many farmers are still unaware of these technologies,” Oye noted. “Training programmes tailored to local communities are key to adoption and sustainability.”
Oye stressed the importance of involving farmers directly in the design and implementation of solar projects. He cautioned against purely commercial or academic models that fail to consider the realities on the ground.
He cited India as a model Nigeria could learn from, where government-backed solar agriculture programmes have improved energy access and productivity.
Beyond agriculture, SMEFUNDS is also working on clean energy innovations in homes. One such project is KIKE AI, an intelligent kitchen tool that educates users on efficient gas use, helping to conserve energy and improve safety in Nigerian households.
“Energy is the foundation of productivity,” Oye said. “And clean, solar energy offers Nigeria a real chance to feed its people and power its future.”
