Publication date: January 2026
Author: Duke University
Description: Facing rising climate risks and uncertainty, smallholder, mostly rain-fed farmers in East Africa are facing challenges maintaining productivity. In rural Kenya, erratic rainfall affects agricultural choices and outcomes for many people, as more than 70% of the rural population is employed by the sector. Yet, new business models that leverage innovative solutions are emerging to support these communities and adaptation to evolving circumstances and stresses. SunCulture is an example of one social enterprise that seeks to promote use of off-grid solar irrigation and energy technologies. Through a pay-as-you-go credit model that eases credit constraints, farmers can more easily acquire solar pumps with payments over time, and use them to boost their farm productivity.
