Techno-Economic and Sustainability Assessment of Agrivoltaic Irrigation Systems in Aguata Agricultural Zone, Nigeria

Background and Objective: Agrivoltaics, the integration of solar photovoltaic systems with agricultural production, offers a promising solution for enhancing irrigation sustainability in water-stressed regions. However, adoption across Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Nigeria, remains limited despite its potential to address energy and water challenges. This study aims to evaluate the techno-economic viability and sustainability of agrivoltaic irrigation systems in Aguata Agricultural Zone, Nigeria, and to identify the key factors influencing their adoption and perceived effectiveness among agricultural stakeholders. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted to targeting farmers, extension officers, and water resource managers. Data were collected using a validated semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS v26, applying descriptive statistics and inferential tests (OLS and logistic regression) at p≤0.05. Ethical approval, informed consent, and participant confidentiality were ensured. Results: Findings reveal a substantial adoption gap, with only 26.6% of respondents reporting any form of agrivoltaic application, although 86.7% expressed willingness to adopt under supportive conditions. Major barriers identified include high installation costs, limited technical knowledge, and land constraints. Education level, access to extension services, awareness, prior exposure to solar technologies, and government support were found to significantly influence both adoption willingness and perceived effectiveness. Conclusion: The results highlight the strong potential of agrivoltaic irrigation systems to improve irrigation sustainability and climate resilience in similar agro-ecological contexts. However, successful large-scale adoption will require enabling policies, targeted capacity-building programs, and innovative financing mechanisms.