40% of the global population rely on agriculture as a main source of income, many without energy access. Tending crops through time-intensive physical labor, their yields are inconsistent and weather-dependent compared to farmers with access to agricultural equipment.
Improving farm productivity has a direct impact on poverty alleviation: a 10% increase in agricultural productivity for smallhold farmers in Africa leads to a 7% reduction in poverty. It is also a key strategy for supporting the people most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
Efficiency for Access aims to scale energy access for communities living in off- or weak-grid areas by supporting innovation in energy-efficient and off-grid appropriate agricultural technologies.