As part of the ongoing research under the SolChargE initiative, a field trip from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) to Ethiopia was conducted in collaboration with Adama Science and Technology University (ASTU). The main agenda of the field trip was the final presentation of the local project results and participation and engagement with local stakeholders.
The project SolChargE focuses on providing sustainable, off-grid transportation solutions for rural farming communities, with the development of a decentralized transportation hub (DTH) powered by solar energy. This hub includes a solar charging station for electric vehicles designed to meet the mobility and transport needs of farmers in areas with limited access to electricity or fuel. The electric vehicle is a suitable four-wheel driven car with one ton of payload. Thanks to its stand-alone capability, the DTH can be positioned wherever the need arises without a mandatory grid connection.
As can be seen in Figure 1, the project’s decentralized hub operates near Bishoftu, demonstrating the viability of using an off-grid solar-powered electric vehicle (EVUM aCar) for sustainable mobility in a local showcase. In addition to passenger transportation, the main demand for mobility in the project region is agricultural transportation of the products from field to farm or farm to market. This demand is so far just barely satisfied with donkeys, horses, and camels, which are limited in their capacity and unsuitable for time-critical produce. While the proposed technology of the DTH is solid, and the need for transportation and mobility is certainly not being satisfied, the high upfront costs of both the electric vehicle and the solar system remain a significant barrier to a widespread adoption due to the high inflation rates and associated interest rates in the local economy.
In-depth workshops and interviews with users, including mainly farmers and residents around the project side, helped us gain feedback on the project outcomes and understand the key barriers to adopting the technology. In general, the farming population is ready not only to motorize the transport of their goods with the technology presented but also to mechanize their agricultural production.
Therefore, one of the key activities of the trip was the identification and engagement with stakeholders: private contractors, state-managed cooperatives, research institutions, and international donors who are involved in the sustainable mechanization of agriculture in Ethiopia. Through established contacts, we were able to network and collaborate with various stakeholders.
Key Mechanization Stakeholders
The smallholder farmers surveyed in Ethiopia cultivate plots of land averaging 1.6 hectares, around two thirds of them have no access to electricity and earn around €1,100 per household per year. They mostly use traditional agricultural methods like ox plowing and sowing by hand. Mechanization reaches them through agricultural services provided by external actors, yet over 80% have not adopted these practices due to high costs.
The interviewed mechanization providers primarily focus on tractor-based disc plowing services, followed by harvesting and seed preparation services. They tackle various challenges:
Private contractors drive much of the mechanization sector as a profitable business. However, high machinery costs, compounded by currency issues and import duties, create significant hurdles. Limited access to spare parts is disrupting operations, and around three quarters of contractors avoid loans, relying instead on personal funds or government donations. Ownership often lies with financiers or the government, complicating repair and maintenance processes. The lack of trained employees further reduces efficiency in machinery use and maintenance.
State-managed cooperatives serve many farmers, with some exceeding 90,000 members. They aim to offer affordable mechanization services but face challenges like high loan rates and limited machinery and spare part production expertise. Dependence on imported spare parts leaves them vulnerable to disruptions. Poor equipment selection, such as oversized tractors with unsuitable tires, further reduces efficiency and, in the end, the accessibility to the farmer.
Local governmental research institutes develop small-scale tools and machinery suitable for smallholder farmers, such as two-wheel-based implements. They offer consulting services to farmers and mechanization providers and highlight three main barriers to the mechanization of agriculture in Ethiopia: high costs, reliance on imports, and small plot sizes that limit the viability of larger machinery.
International donors often provide machinery without spare parts or operational training but are shifting to more education-based support. These programs focus on capacity building promoting economic and effective mechanization practices.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
The trip reinforced the urgent need for mechanization and transportation solutions in rural Ethiopia. However, the lack of awarness, entrepreneurial opportunities, and financing options remain significant barriers. While the technology being ready for deployment, enabling the right conditions—such as financial systems and infrastructure—will be crucial to its success.
Moving forward, our research must integrate technical, financial, economic, and socio-cultural aspects to tackle the broader challenges of agricultural productivity in Ethiopia. These challenges require a holistic approach that combines innovation with targeted policy interventions and capacity building. The success of the SolChargE project will depend not only on developing efficient technologies but also on creating an enabling environment that supports sustainable growth and accessibility.
