Solar water pumping systems for a sustainable development of the market gardening sector in Burkina Faso

Agriculture in Burkina Faso employs over 80% of the workforce and contributes 35% to GDP. Yet, it faces challenges like seasonal farming, limited technology, and food insecurity, with 2.7 million people still affected by hunger. Solar Water Pumping Systems (SWPSs), increasingly supported by the government and institutions, offer a sustainable solution to improve water access, reduce labour, and empower women. However, their real impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remains under-evaluated. This study assessed the technical and economic performance of SWPSs across four types of market gardening sites (A–D), ranging from small-scale individual farms to large-scale community installations. Technical design and PVSyst simulations were used to size systems, while economic analysis evaluated investment costs, payback periods, and Net Present Value (NPV). SWPS capacity needs ranged from 0.55 to 7.7 kW, increasing with farm size. Type A (small individual farms) required the lowest investment but delivered quick returns (NPV: $9339; payback: 9 months), making them ideal for women with limited capital. Type B farms showed higher NPVs ($21,231), supporting women’s empowerment through larger returns. Community farms (types C and D) required higher CAPEX (up to $16,741) but offered long-term benefits like enhanced food and energy access. SWPSs prove effective in boosting productivity, empowering women, and advancing SDGs (notably SDGs 2, 5, 7, and 8). To maximize impact, tailored engineering, inclusive financing, and strong policy support are critical to scale these solutions in resource-limited contexts.