Irrigation
A solar plant monitored in western Senegal lost 0,34 % of its output per day of soiling, and up to 0,49 % per day at
October 6, 2026
Drip irrigation delivers water and nutrients straight to the root zone, which makes it one of the most efficient ways for African growers to farm through the dry season. In this category, JOGOO explains how to design and install an irrigation system, how to choose a drip irrigation kit for your plot size, and how to size a solar water pump for irrigation so your crops get steady water without high fuel costs.
A solar plant monitored in western Senegal lost 0,34 % of its output per day of soiling, and up to 0,49 % per day at
Before a single pipe is chosen for a pineapple plot, the field has to give up its figures: source flow, water quality, soil texture and
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Ginger needs 1,300 to 1,500 mm over the cycle according to ICAR-IISR, with roots limited to 30 cm. Laying laterals on 1 m beds, emitter
Drip irrigation costs about USD 1,200 to 2,800 per hectare. Learn how to size and install a system in Africa and which crops pay it back fastest.
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Start with a water source and a filter, then lay a main line along the edge of the field and connect drip laterals along each crop row. Add a pressure regulator if pressure is high, and place emitters to match plant spacing. Flush the lines before planting, check for leaks and clogged emitters regularly, and clean the filter often, especially with river or well water carrying sediment.
Drip irrigation is usually better for row crops such as tomato, pepper, onion and fruit trees, because it wets only the root zone, loses less water to evaporation and keeps leaves dry, which limits leaf diseases. Sprinkler irrigation suits dense crops such as lawns, leafy vegetables and some cereals, and costs less to set up per hectare, but it uses more water and is affected by wind.
Pump size depends on four things: the area you irrigate, the daily water needs of your crop, the total head (well depth plus lift and pipe losses) and the sun hours at your site. Calculate the daily volume first, then the flow and head the pump must deliver, and size the solar panels to match. A drip system reduces the water volume needed, so it often allows a smaller pump.