A nexus approach to solar pumping irrigation systems in North Africa: opportunities and challenges : a case study of Egypt

Agriculture is a major source of livelihood in semi-arid North Africa and is shifting toward becoming climate-smart by the introduction of solar-powered water pump irrigation systems (SPIS) and the promotion of renewable energy for general use. These technologies are being promoted by the government, with funding from organizations to help farmers with the transition from diesel-powered pumping to solar pumping for irrigation. Egypt is particularly vulnerable to water insecurity, therefore, there is a need to manage groundwater withdrawals, especially, with the use of solar pumps as it is considered to utilize “free energy” with low maintenance and operating costs. Through a system modelling of WEF nexus using fuzzy cognitive mapping, scenarios were developed to provide governance strategies for the sustainable adoption of SPIS. The key findings from this study show that the solar pump irrigation system is indeed beneficial for farmers, and with the use of adequate policies, a sun-rich and renewable groundwater-scarce Egypt is projected to reduce its rate of groundwater overexploitation.