Role of energy in irrigated agriculture in Niger

This report reviews existing systems for supplying electric power and fuel to government-sponsored irrigation perimeters in Niger, with particular attention to the policy framework and the role of parastatals, and makes recommendations for increasing energy efficiency. The author finds that the most economical energy source is generally electricity, either directly from the electrical grid, or, in non-electrified regions, through use of diesel electric pumping systems. However, in many of Niger"s older perimeters, water lifting is performed by energy-inefficient means, namely, by direct-diesel pumps or, worst of all, by gasoline-powered small pumps. As about 2,000 of these small pumps were in use as of 1986, a program to instruct farmers in the proper choice and use of pumps has great potential to increase fuel savings in the irrigation subsector. Energy efficiency could be further improved by: (1) advising cooperatives on how to lower their electricity bills (e.g., through reduced use at peak load periods); and (2) instituting an "interruptable tariff" under which farmers would receive significantly lower electric rates in exchange for being disconnected from the grid during peak usage hours. A special price for diesel fuel used in agriculture is not recommended.