Financial Feasibility and Resource Use Efficiency of Solar-Powered Micro-Drip Irrigation Systems among Smallholders in Central Zimbabwe

African Journal of Agriculture | Vol. 13, No. 7, July 2026 | pp. 033–040

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJA/000738

Article Type: Original Research Article

Title: Financial Feasibility and Resource Use Efficiency of Solar-Powered Micro-Drip Irrigation Systems among Smallholders in Central Zimbabwe

Names of Authors: Tendai G. Hove¹, Ruvimbo M. Ndlovu¹, Blessing S. Sithole²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; ²Chinhoyi University of Technology, Department of Irrigation Engineering, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe

Abstract: Recurrent droughts linked to climate change have made rainfed vegetable farming highly risky in central Zimbabwe. Solar-powered micro-drip irrigation has emerged as a promising technology to secure year-round yields, but high initial capital setup costs remain a barrier for smallholders. This study assessed the financial viability and resource use efficiency of solar-powered micro-drip systems among 85 smallholder vegetable producers over a 24-month operational period. Cost-benefit analysis indicators, including Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR), were calculated at a 12.0% discount rate. Water and energy productivity metrics were also determined. The economic analysis revealed that solar-powered micro-drip setups are financially viable, generating a positive mean NPV of US$ 3,450, an IRR of 24.6%, and an overall BCR of 1.62. Moving from diesel pumps to solar micro-drip irrigation cut seasonal operating expenditures by 68.0%, primarily by eliminating fuel costs. The system also demonstrated superior resource efficiency, with water productivity increasing from 3.2 kg/m³ under manual watering to 9.8 kg/m³ under drip application. Inefficiency modeling indicated that farmers who received specialized operational training achieved a 22.0% shorter payback period on their investment capital. This study confirms that despite steep upfront capital demands, solar-powered drip networks are highly profitable and efficient climate-adaptation assets.

Keywords: Solar irrigation, Cost-benefit analysis, Water productivity, Horticulture, Climate finance, Zimbabwe

Manuscript Timeline: Received: March 10, 2026; Revised: April 18, 2026; Accepted: May 14, 2026; Published: July 19, 2026

Citation: Hove, T. G., Ndlovu, M. M., & Sithole, B. S. (2026). Financial Feasibility and Resource Use Efficiency of Solar-Powered Micro-Drip Irrigation Systems among Smallholders in Central Zimbabwe. African Journal of Agriculture, 13(7), 033–040. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJA/000738

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