Experts push solar for farms as policy gaps stall growth
The head of SMEFUNDS predicts renewable power will reshape farming and countryside economies throughout Nigeria and similar nations by establishing environmentally friendly energy infrastructure. Femi Oye pointed to data from the Clean Energy Trade and Emerging Markets Report showing developing regions accelerating adoption of green technologies while building local production capacity for solar equipment, batteries, and electric transport.
Oye said combining crop cultivation with photovoltaic installations on shared acreage could boost farmer earnings and advance the shift away from fossil fuels. He referenced Vietnam’s launch of agriculture-solar pilot programs scheduled to run from 2025 through 2027 as evidence of growing interest in dual-use land strategies. The SMEFUNDS leader called for federal authorities to partner with commercial operators to evaluate opportunities and design support frameworks, though he acknowledged that missing regulations and investment incentives remain obstacles to expansion.
Manufacturing advances continue to lower prices for batteries and solar panels while demand surges across emerging markets, attracted by reduced electricity costs and affordable vehicle options. Oye described agricultural electrotech as a foundation for transforming rural areas into centers of sustainable expansion if governments and businesses capitalize on the moment.
