Assessment of the Socio-Economic and Environmental Impacts of Solar-Powered Pump Irrigation Systems in Bulacan: Basis for a Solar Irrigation Development Program

@article{1722147,
      author = {Jenka Reign T. Acuzar, Christopher M. Ladignon, Feliciana P. Jacoba},
      title = {Assessment of the Socio-Economic and Environmental Impacts of Solar-Powered Pump Irrigation Systems in Bulacan: Basis for a Solar Irrigation Development Program},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {10},
      number = {2},
      pages = {489-502},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1722147.pdf},
      abstract = {The agricultural sector in Bulacan, Philippines, faces mounting economic pressures from climate change vulnerability and volatile fossil fuel pricing, prompting a strategic transition toward Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems (SPIS). However, a comprehensive, empirically validated evaluation of the socio-economic and environmental impacts of these systems, along with the operational bottlenecks faced by water users, remains largely unquantified. This study quantitatively and qualitatively assessed the performance of SPIS across three communal projects (Kapatiran IA, BusPan IA, and AnBusPa IA) in Bulacan, Philippines. Utilizing a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, data were collected from thirty (N=30) smallholders—split equally between SPIS users (n=15) and traditional diesel pump users (n=15)—and three (N=3) key institutional stakeholders. Results from Welch's independent samples t-test demonstrate that SPIS delivers transformative economic benefits. SPIS users experienced a 93.9% reduction in seasonal irrigation costs (₱1,166.67/ha vs. ₱19,086.67/ha; p < 0.001, d = 9.15) and a 106.6% increase in seasonal net income (₱69,492.67/ha vs. ₱33,640.60/ha; p < 0.001, d = 3.50). Notably, SPIS users achieved 18.1% higher rice yields (5,353.33 kg/ha vs. 4,533.33 kg/ha; p < 0.001, d = 1.56), contrary to initial assumptions, attributed to extended pumping hours (80.3% more total pumping hours; p < 0.001). Perception indexes revealed high farmer satisfaction with SPIS (overall rating: 4.60/5) and strong recognition of environmental benefits (mean = 4.55/5 vs. 2.08/5 for diesel), including zero emissions and absence of oil spills. However, a critical vulnerability was identified: technical support availability was rated significantly lower for SPIS (2.47/5) compared to diesel (4.67/5), reflecting a pronounced technical first-responder deficit rooted in centralized repair paradigms. Additionally, only 86.7% of SPIS operators received formal training, and no communal sinking funds exist for capital replacement. Thematic analysis of stakeholder interviews identified six core themes: technical first-responder deficit, communal sinking fund deficits, dry-season discharge limits, localized training gaps, perceived financial benefits, and institutional support needs. Based on these empirical findings, the Bulacan Solar Irrigation Development Program (BSIDP) is proposed—a 24-month strategic framework comprising three pillars: (1) decentralized local maintenance teams, (2) community-led sinking fund financial models, and (3) climate-resilient hybrid solar-diesel system configurations. This evidence-based framework is essential to foster resilient, sustainable, and scalable communal irrigation practices in the region, supporting the Philippines' commitments under the Renewable Energy Act (RA 9513) and national food security goals.},
      keywords = {Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, Technology Acceptance Model, Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems (SPIS), independent samples t-test, policy framework, Bulacan, Philippines},
      month = {August},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I2-1722147}
  }