News Solar-powered irrigation for the women’s cooperative in Thiago
In Thiago, in the Saint-Louis region of northern Senegal, the URBIS Foundation, together with its partner Teranga Venture Scaling, is supporting the resumption of agricultural production and local food processing. At the heart of the project is the use of solar energy to provide the women’s cooperative with a sustainable and cost-effective energy supply.
The cooperative’s agricultural activities had largely come to a standstill for more than two years. A diesel-powered irrigation pump had broken down and could not be repaired. At the same time, high energy costs had forced the local processing unit to suspend its activities. With the support of the URBIS Foundation, a new solar-powered pumping system has now been installed. 45 solar panels power the pump, enabling irrigation of an initial 8-hectare cultivation area. Over the course of the project, the agricultural area is to be gradually expanded to 23 hectares. This will provide the basis for resuming the cultivation of cassava and various vegetables. In the longer term, turmeric will also be cultivated for local processing.
The women-led processing unit also benefits from renewable energy. The processing equipment is powered by solar electricity, while a dedicated photovoltaic system with battery storage provides an independent and cost-effective energy supply. The unit processes locally available surplus vegetables into powders and spice blends. With the official FRA approval granted to the NDELLA brand in July 2026, the foundation has also been laid for broader marketing of the products. More than 300 women from the local cooperative benefit from the project activities. At the same time, the project strengthens local technical capacities: five young members of the cooperative have been trained in the maintenance of the solar system and the irrigation pump. A newly acquired refrigerated vehicle will also support the storage and transportation of agricultural and processed products, helping to reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access.
In the coming months, the focus will be on restarting agricultural production, gradually expanding the cultivated area, and providing agroecological training for the women of the cooperative. At the same time, the processing unit will further develop its production and marketing activities. The project brings together renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, local processing, and the empowerment of women and young people. Together with Teranga Venture Scaling and the women’s cooperative in Thiago, the URBIS Foundation is contributing to sustainable agricultural development and creating new income-generating opportunities in the region.