How energy innovation is nourishing communities and strengthening food systems
This report “Beyond Silos” explores how off-grid solar solutions are transforming food systems by bridging the gaps between energy, agriculture, and water—what’s known as the “nexus” approach. At the heart of this transformation lies a powerful driver of community well-being: nutrition.
Access to reliable, clean energy enables better storage, processing, and preservation of nutrient-rich foods. For example, solar-powered cold storage reduces post-harvest loss of fruits, vegetables, dairy, and fish—keeping essential nutrients intact and extending availability beyond harvest seasons. In rural areas, solar water pumps make irrigation more consistent, allowing farmers to grow a wider variety of crops, including leafy greens and legumes, even in dry seasons.
By integrating off-grid solar into every stage of the food chain—from farm to fork—this paper shows how we can tackle malnutrition, reduce food waste, and build more resilient, nutritious food systems for all. Let’s break silos and build bridges — for communities, for systems, and for sustainable nutrition.
Read the full report to see how energy access is powering healthier diets and stronger communities across the globe.
This paper was produced by a consortium of partners, including Wageningen University & Research, SNV the Energy Saving Trust, Efficiency for Access, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), AGRA, GOGLA Internation Sustain Company, the Sun4Water Programme, and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH with support from the IKEA Foundation