Tonj Solar Irrigation Project, South Sudan

CAP Network is pleased to be engaging Rainmaker South Sudan to bring solar-powered irrigation to Tonj, South Sudan as part of our overall efforts to support health and invest in livelihoods. This pilot project is hoped to provide evidence of impact for the vision of Rainmaker Enterprise – an initiative founded by South Sudanese-Canadian activist James Thuch Madhier. If successful, the Rainmaker Enterprise hopes to replicate this model across the region, revitalizing agricultural land and bringing clean water to communities dealing with the impacts of climate change and water scarcity. 

The Tonj Solar Irrigation Project will benefit 3,000 community members. Agriculture and pastoralism are the two major means of livelihood in this region, with the majority of the communities engaging in subsistence farming and the rearing of livestock, particularly cattle. In Tonj, lack of sustainable access to resources is a primary cause of hunger, poverty, inter-communal conflict and environmental degradation.

Rainmaker South Sudan has already drilled a well at the project site in Tonj, and is currently implementing the solar-powered water system that will provide water for year-round agriculture irrigation. This year, this project is expected to: provide clean water for 3,000 people, support the production of up to 30,000kg of groundnuts and employ up to 50 women and youth.