SunCulture and IWMI Partner to Drive Sustainable Water Management in Solar Irrigation

SunCulture, a leader in off-grid solar irrigation solutions, has joined forces with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in a groundbreaking partnership to promote sustainable water management across sub-Saharan Africa. This initiative, launched on February 17, 2025, at a workshop held at the ILRI Campus in Nairobi, marks a significant step toward ensuring that the rapid expansion of solar irrigation aligns with long-term environmental sustainability.

A Shared Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture

As solar irrigation becomes a critical tool for smallholder farmers, the need for responsible water use has never been greater. Through this collaboration, SunCulture and IWMI aim to develop a comprehensive strategy for assessing and monitoring water resource risks associated with solar irrigation. By integrating SunCulture’s innovative solar irrigation technologies with IWMI’s expertise in water risk assessment, the partnership seeks to create a resilient and sustainable irrigation landscape that supports agricultural productivity while conserving vital water resources.

Key Objectives of the Partnership

This collaboration is centered on four key areas:

1. 1. Risk Identification and Mitigation
      IWMI will use its research expertise to identify both controllable and uncontrollable factors that influence water sustainability in solar irrigation. These insights will guide SunCulture in optimizing its operations while mitigating risks.

1. 1. Responsible Water Use
      The partnership will establish clear guidelines for responsible water abstraction and usage, addressing challenges such as climate variability, evolving government policies, and other external environmental factors.

1. 1. Farmer-Centric Tools
      Practical tools and irrigation guidelines will be developed to support farmers in improving their water use efficiency, ensuring better crop yields and sustainable farming practices.

1. 1. Co-Design of a Water Strategy
      SunCulture and IWMI will collaboratively design a comprehensive water strategy that aligns with both agricultural expansion and environmental sustainability goals.

A Vision for the Future

Samir Ibrahim, CEO of SunCulture, emphasized the real impact of this partnership, stating:

“For SunCulture, this partnership isn’t just a research exercise. It’s about real impact. It’s about ensuring that our operations align with environmental sustainability. It’s about equipping farmers with practical tools and knowledge on responsible water use. And most importantly, it’s about creating a future where growth and sustainability go hand in hand. I’d like to extend my sincere gratitude to InfraCo Africa and the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), whose technical assistance funding is making this work possible. To our investors, partners, and customers—thank you for believing in SunCulture’s vision.”

Looking Ahead

This partnership represents a major milestone in advancing sustainable water management in sub-Saharan Africa. By combining cutting-edge research with on-the-ground solutions, SunCulture and IWMI will work to empower farmers, protect water resources, and enhance agricultural resilience in the face of climate change.

Watch More

As part of this initiative, SunCulture was recently featured on KCB TV, where the partnership’s impact on farmers and sustainable irrigation practices was highlighted. Watch the full segment here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNY8H2iCjvE

For more information, visit www.sunculture.com.