Willingness to Pay for Renewably Sourced Irrigation with Solar Water Pumping (SWP) Systems in Drought-Prone Areas of Thailand

In Thailand, droughts severely impact agriculture, particularly in non-irrigated areas, which comprise 76.4% of the country’s farmland. This highlights the need for sustainable energy solutions to mitigate environmental impacts. Despite government efforts, including over 900 Solar Water Pumping (SWP) demonstration units, many farmers remain hesitant to adopt this technology. This study examines the factors influencing farmers’ willingness to invest in SWP in Thailand’s drought-prone north and northeast regions, the most affected areas. Data were collected from 210 families—127 in the north (NC) and 83 in the northeast (NEC)—through surveys, interviews, and observations. Results show that 75.6% of NC and 77.1% of NEC farmers are willing to invest. However, barriers include financial constraints, reliance on government aid, uncertainty about returns, and lack of information. The estimated willingness-to-pay per household is USD 1438 in NC and USD 1518 in NEC, both exceeding the cost of a basic SWP system. Education, land ownership, and debt influence investment decisions, while the cultivation area impacts the amount invested. To increase adoption and combat climate change, tailored financial support, such as loan programs and leasing options, are needed for farmers in non-irrigated regions.