Netafim is integrating drip technology with a low-tech gravity-based system that enables smallholder farmers in developing countries to cost-effectively increase yields and quality, while maximising water use efficiency.

Netafim has developed an irrigation system that drips precise quantities of water and nutrients straight to  the root zone of crops. An elevated water tank distributes the water using gravity, which results in reduced electricity costs and no need for further investments in expensive irrigation infrastructure. The system helps to reduce water usage significantly, improve crop quality and increase crop yields. Netafim is also offering smallholder farmers training in how to use the technology most effectively.

The United Nations Environment Programme has estimated that 500 million smallholder farmers provide over 80% of the food consumed in the developing world. Drip irrigation positively impacts the environment by improving water use efficiency, improving crop productivity, reducing soil erosion from desiccated soils and reducing CO2 emissions associated with pumping water for irrigation. According to Netafim, the investment has a payback time of about a year, thus making it fit for small-scale projects with reduced access to finance.