The Zambia Renewable Energy Association (ZARENA) officially commissioned the Solar for Climate Resilience and Productive Uses (S4CRPU) project in Kazungula District, Southern Province. Implemented in the communities of Sichombe and Silimbana under Chief Sekute’s Chiefdom, this transformative initiative is improving food security, livelihoods, and climate resilience through solar-powered irrigation and capacity-building efforts.
With support from the Scottish Government’s Global Renewables Centre (GRC), the S4CRPU project is empowering over 200 households by providing solar-powered water pumps, a 10,000-litre storage tank, and drip irrigation systems for agricultural production. Each site also includes a hands-on demonstration plot managed by a women-led local co-operative to promote inclusive and sustainable farming practices.
“This project is a testament to what innovation, collaboration, and community ownership can achieve in building climate-resilient solutions,” said Dr. Chilala Bowa, ZARENA’s Strategy and Implementation Lead, during the commissioning ceremony.
The project goes beyond infrastructure—it incorporates training in crop management, Irrigation management. Co-operative governance and sustainable business practices, enabling farmers to produce year-round and reduce dependence on unpredictable rainfall.
Senior Chief Sekute praised the project as a long-awaited solution to the persistent food shortages in the region, while Kazungula District Commissioner Elias Siamibili emphasized the importance of community cooperation to avoid conflicts and maximize the project’s benefits.
In addition to boosting food production, the S4CRPU initiative also supports climate adaptation by addressing challenges such as livestock water access, a major concern for many households.
ZARENA remains committed to supporting rural communities through renewable energy and productive use applications,unlocking new opportunities for agriculture, livelihoods, and environmental sustainability in Zambia.
