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Abstract

This paper provides a review of agrivoltaics technology and how it has been applicable in developing countries, including African countries. Agrivoltaics, the integration of agricultural production with photovoltaic energy generation, offers promising solutions to water- energy-food nexus in developing countries. This technology offers the dual benefit of increasing agricultural productivity while generating clean energy, which is very important for regions facing frequent electricity shortages and declining agricultural yields due to climate change. However, despite its potential, the adoption of agrivoltaics in developing nations remains limited in comparison to developed countries due to financial, technical and policy constraints. This paper explores the adoption of agrivoltaics in these regions, highlighting the socio-economic, technological and policy related-barriers that hinder its implementation. Not only that, but the paper also examines the opportunities that agrivoltaics offer in terms of sustainable development, rural electrification, and climate change. Through a wide-ranging review of existing literature and studies, this paper points key drivers for adoption and proposes strategies to enhance agrivoltaics deployment in developing countries. Innovative financial mechanisms, capacity-building initiatives, and encouraging policies, agrivoltaics can be used as means to address the existing challenges. Addressing these challenges would contribute significantly to energy security, food production, and climate resilience in the Global South.

Publisher Name

University of Dar es Salaam

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