Promoting climate adaptation by upscaling appropriate solar irrigation technology options for sm ...

The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), on behalf of Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) invites qualified interested firms to submit Expression of Interest (EOI) to participate in the upcoming solicitation for provision of technical assistance to promote smallholder farmers’ adaptation to climate change by providing a sustainable and efficient means of irrigation through the assessment of solar technology options, the design of an appropriate and sustainable business model for the lowest income, and the formulation of a policy framework for the use of Solar Powered Irrigation System (from now on referred as SPIS) in Ghana. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on behalf of the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) requires the services of an institution to deliver the technical assistance. The overall objective of this technical assistance is to (i) a benchmark of available technology options best suited to smallholder farmers and water-scares environments, (ii) a policy framework to drive the setting of standards and certification that will support the deployment of a local market, (iii) recommendations on financing structures to extend credit and reach the unbanked smallholder farmers and (iv) training modules targeted at the users and administrators of the technology across the supply chain to support its sustainable use and long-term maintenance. Some of the expected outcome, outputs and activities are; • Benchmark solar powered irrigation technologies suitable to smallholder farmers in Ghana and assess their respective cost-benefits. • Desk analysis of agricultural and irrigation practices under a changing climate in Ghana to assess smallholder farmers’ needs • Organize a stakeholder workshop to introduce the SPIS to Ghana´s future users, national officers, investors, and private sector. • Define a business model targeting smallholder farmers for the use of Solar Powered Irrigation Systems in Ghana. • National framework on solar powered irrigation technology • Draft policy framework to set up a compliance standards and certification for solar irrigation technology. • Capacity training to raise awareness on the benefits of solar pumping irrigation systems for smallholder farmers in Ghana. • Design the comprehensive training modules targeting smallholder farmers and investors The complete details of the requirement will be provided in the tender documents that will be issued to bidders after this request for EOI is closed.