Meeting the food and water needs of the growing world population over the next half-century will require the use of renewable technologies that significantly improve rural livelihood at minimal environment cost. Among these technologies, solar-power has great potential for rural development through improving access to electricity and water, and can generate additional incomes and new job opportunities. Nevertheless, although solar technologies, in particular solar-powered irrigation, can provide a solution for small-scale farmers, access to finance, good quality products and technical training are often lacking. If not managed carefully, solar pumps can also contribute to groundwater depletion and water stress.

In this framework, the International Forum on Solar Technologies for Small-Scale Agriculture and Water Management will bring together key stakeholders from the water, energy, agriculture and rural development sectors, to engage in a debate and establish a community of practice on solar technologies in small-scale agriculture and water management.

The International Forum is organised by FAO, together with Powering Agriculture: An Energy Grand Challenge for Development (PAEGC), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and the Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE).

A strong focus will be placed on solar-powered irrigation technologies, though solar desalinisation and other agricultural applications of solar technologies will also be covered. The Forum will be organized around four main themes:

INNOVATIVE FINANCE, INVESTMENT AND BUSINESS MODELS

How can solar technologies become more economically accessible for small-scale farmers?

CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT

What is needed to build the capacities and knowledge to use the available solar technologies?

EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF WATER RISKS

How can water risks related to solar technologies be addressed? How can these technologies actually contribute to making water management more sustainable?

ENABLING ENVIRONMENT

What can governments do to promote solar technologies, and at the same time, manage the risks? What role do suppliers and service providers play in this?

See the programme of the Forum and register