Grant to expand irrigation access for small-scale farmers

The Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska has received a three-year, $3.5 million grant from the Gates Foundation to research ways to expand irrigation access for small-scale farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. The project will focus on scaling up Irrigation as a Service, a model that allows farmers to access water without purchasing equipment. 

“Irrigation as a service solutions are expanding globally but are not well studied. This generous grant will enable critical research on a rapidly evolving topic,” said Nick Brozović, DWFI director of policy. “Our goal is to support strategic and effective investments in agricultural water access for small scale farmers.” 

The research will analyze different business models, test investment strategies, and assess development impacts, with a focus on overcoming cost-related and structural barriers to irrigation adoption. The project includes pilot programs spanning multiple cropping seasons to evaluate effectiveness. 

According to DWFI, irrigation has the potential to improve food security and reduce climate-related risks, but many small-scale farmers remain hesitant to invest due to cost and uncertain returns. This research aims to inform strategic investments that could increase irrigated crop production and strengthen agricultural supply chains in targeted regions. 

Photo Credit: David Munyaneza, DWFI