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Evaluating the Adaptation Benefits of Smallholder Solar Irrigation Systems in Kenya

Publication ,  Report
Diaz-Herrera, A; Elsharief, M; Jeuland, M; Mbithi Mulwa, R; Musembi, E; Teji, L; Vega-Carol, F
January 5, 2026

Smallholder agriculture underpins livelihoods in Kenya, with more than 70% of the rural population relying on farming as their primary source of income. Most of these farmers rely on rainfed production in an environment marked by rising temperatures, increasingly variable rainfall, and frequent economic and climate shocks. Research led by Duke University and the University of Nairobi evaluated the SunCulture model—a Kenyan social enterprise providing small-scale solar irrigation systems bundled with financing and support services.

Duke Scholars

Publication Date

January 5, 2026

Publisher

Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability
 

Citation

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Diaz-Herrera, A., Elsharief, M., Jeuland, M., Mbithi Mulwa, R., Musembi, E., Teji, L., & Vega-Carol, F. (2026). Evaluating the Adaptation Benefits of Smallholder Solar Irrigation Systems in Kenya. Durham, NC: Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability.
Diaz-Herrera, Alejandro, Mirna Elsharief, Marc Jeuland, Richard Mbithi Mulwa, Elly Musembi, Liilnna Teji, and Ferrán Vega-Carol. “Evaluating the Adaptation Benefits of Smallholder Solar Irrigation Systems in Kenya.” Durham, NC: Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability, January 5, 2026.
Diaz-Herrera A, Elsharief M, Jeuland M, Mbithi Mulwa R, Musembi E, Teji L, et al. Evaluating the Adaptation Benefits of Smallholder Solar Irrigation Systems in Kenya. Durham, NC: Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability; 2026 Jan.
Diaz-Herrera, Alejandro, et al. Evaluating the Adaptation Benefits of Smallholder Solar Irrigation Systems in Kenya. Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability, 5 Jan. 2026.
Diaz-Herrera A, Elsharief M, Jeuland M, Mbithi Mulwa R, Musembi E, Teji L, Vega-Carol F. Evaluating the Adaptation Benefits of Smallholder Solar Irrigation Systems in Kenya. Durham, NC: Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability; 2026 Jan.

Publication Date

January 5, 2026

Publisher

Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability