Background
Ghana’s smallholder tomato farmers are increasingly affected by drought, erratic rainfall, and water scarcity, contributing to yield losses of around 30–35% in major production areas. Solar-powered irrigation systems (SPIS) can provide reliable, low-carbon irrigation, but adoption is constrained by high upfront costs, limited access to affordable credit, and inadequate insurance against climate-related production losses.
The proposed intervention will address these barriers through a bundled model combining SPIS, tailored green credit, and digital picture-based insurance. Initially targeting approximately 400 smallholder tomato farmers, the approach will reduce investment and lending risks while improving access to climate-resilient technology. The pilot will establish a practical model that can be scaled through Ghana’s agricultural and financial systems.
CTCN Support
This CTCN technical assistance will support the design and piloting of the bundled SPIS-credit-insurance model in partnership with government institutions, financial and insurance providers, farmer organizations, and technology providers. TA support will focus on developing appropriate financing and insurance products, strengthening institutional and farmer capacities, and establishing the technical and operational arrangements required for implementation.
CTCN will also support the development of an investment-ready model and pipeline for scale-up, helping participating institutions reduce perceived risks and mobilize additional public and private climate finance.
Expected Outcome
Financial institutions, insurance providers, and technology partners pilot and adopt an integrated SPIS-credit-insurance product that enables approximately 400 smallholder tomato farmers to access climate-resilient irrigation, affordable finance, and improved risk protection. The intervention will demonstrate a commercially viable and replicable model, strengthen climate-smart agricultural lending, and establish an investment-ready pathway for wider deployment across Ghana.
