Sicilian-made Irrigation for Agriculture in Africa

It is neither trivial nor obvious to state that agriculture and irrigation have always been closely interconnected. Since humanity’s first steps in the agricultural field, civilizations have developed along the great waterways; this was taught to us in elementary school. It is along the banks of rivers such as the Tigris, Euphrates, and Nile that the first agricultural communities found the necessary resources to cultivate the land and sustain their populations. Water, a vital element for crop growth, is the core around which the first forms of civilization and irrigation were structured, from archaic to increasingly modern methods. The ability to manage and distribute water efficiently has allowed the development of societies and has ensured not only the subsistence of populations but also the development of civilization as we know it today.

BnD as a Protagonist of Change For over 15 years, we have been implementing agricultural projects in various countries of the Sahara and Sahel. The main objective is to ensure the food autonomy of local communities and, where possible, generate a productive surplus to sell in local markets. This not only allows us to feed the populations but also to improve their quality of life through access to new economic opportunities. The crops we have helped establish in Senegal with the beneficiary local communities are fully integrated into FENAB, the most important organic farmers’ organization in Senegal. This achievement has also been reached thanks to the production methodologies adopted, developed in collaboration with forward-thinking local agronomists who have managed to integrate traditional techniques and technological innovations. Depending on the territorial characteristics, the inclinations of the local populations, and the type of crops, we have adopted different types of irrigation systems. These range from dispersion irrigation to “Californian” irrigation, to drip irrigation systems. These solutions have allowed us to adapt to the different needs of the soils and crops, always ensuring maximum efficiency in the use of water resources, which are always insufficient, especially with climate change.

Irritec’s Micro-irrigation Recently, however, we have taken a turn by initiating projects in Senegal that use micro-irrigation systems produced by the Sicilian company Irritec, a global leader in this sector already present and established in Dakar, Senegal. Micro-irrigation represents a significant step forward compared to traditional methods, allowing for more efficient use of water and improving crop productivity while respecting the resources offered by the soil. The micro-irrigation systems we have adopted are designed to provide water in a precise and controlled manner, minimizing waste, which is a major issue we must address in the African context. This approach is particularly important in arid regions like the Sahel, where water is a precious resource. The adoption of these systems will allow the beneficiary local communities to significantly increase their agricultural productivity, thereby ensuring greater food security and the possibility of generating a surplus to sell on the market. We believe that the ability to develop rational irrigation systems can be elevated as an alternative tool to the risk of immigration driven by the impoverishment of agricultural land.

Immediate and Tangible Results The results achieved through the implementation of micro-irrigation systems have been immediate and tangible. The photos of the cultivated fields, although impressive, can only partially do justice to the quality and extent of the results obtained. Micro-irrigation has allowed for the optimization of the limited available water, reducing waste and ensuring that plants receive the necessary water supply in a precise and consistent manner. Thanks to these systems, the communities will be able to increase the productivity of their crops, improving their food self-sufficiency and creating economic opportunities through the sale of agricultural surplus. This will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the quality of life of the local populations, allowing them to invest in other economic activities and improve their overall well-being.

A Sustainability Model for Africa Today more than ever, especially in Africa, it is necessary to maximize the rational use of water. The scarcity of water resources requires innovative and efficient solutions. Irritec’s micro-irrigation systems represent a concrete response to this need, combining economic efficiency and environmental respect. The installation cost of these systems is quickly repaid thanks to increased productivity and reduced water resource management costs. The “rational” irrigation projects initiated in Senegal, thanks to the expertise and support of Irritec, are a virtuous example of how technological innovation can be applied in challenging contexts to improve the living conditions of local communities. With our constant commitment, we will continue to make a difference, promoting sustainable solutions and contributing to the agricultural development of the African continent. Why? Because we believe there can be no social justice if it is not truly beneficial to everyone.