Rivopump team demonstrating the water pump in river
Rivopump

RevolutionizingRiver-Powered Irrigation

Irrigation. Solved.

The Rivopump

A fully water-driven, zero-energy irrigation system designed for smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Rivopump irrigation system demonstration in river

Powered Entirely by Flowing Water

No diesel. No solar panels. No energy bills — ever.

Low-Maintenance Design

Simple mechanics, minimal moving parts, easy repairs with local skills.

Affordable for Smallholder Farmers

Low CapEx, zero OpEx. Designed specifically for rural communities and cooperatives.

Modular Output (10,000 – 30,000 L/day)

Farmers can attach 1–3 hose reels and adjust wheel depth to match local river conditions.

Smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa

What's the Challenge for
Smallholder Farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa?

In Sub-Saharan Africa, over 70% of the population relies on small farms under 2 hectares. Worsening climate volatility is making rain-fed agriculture increasingly unreliable.

Irregular Rainfall & Extended Droughts

Traditional planting calendars no longer work.

High Fuel Costs & Frequent Breakdowns

Diesel prices consume up to 40% of farm income.

Low-Value Crops & Market Saturation

Everyone harvests at once, flooding markets.

The Cost of
Traditional Diesel Pumps

Current irrigation solutions create a recurring cost burden and environmental liability, limiting farmer profitability and scalability.

~$1,700 Annual Operating Cost

Fuel prices continue rising with market volatility.

1,730 kg CO₂ Emissions per Hectare

Significant environmental liability limiting ESG investment.

Supply Chain Dependency & Downtime

Vulnerable to fuel shortages, frequent repairs impact yield.

Traditional diesel pump challenges
Rivopump water-powered solution

The Rivopump Advantage

A proprietary water-powered irrigation system that eliminates operating costs and emissions while maximizing farmer profitability.

2x More Profit

One-time investment delivers immediate and perpetual savings.

100% Carbon-Neutral, ESG-Aligned

Attracts sustainable investment and carbon credits.

Energy-Independent, Minimal Maintenance

High uptime reliability maximizes crop yields.

Value Creation

Economic, Environmental & Market Impact

Proven unit economics, scalable business model, and massive addressable market create sustainable value

Economic Returns

€1,013

Annual cost savings per farmer vs. diesel (operational costs eliminated)

2x Profit

Doubling of net income through elimination of fuel dependency

€4,200

Customer Lifetime Value over 5-year contract period

Environmental Value

3,250 kg

CO₂ emissions saved annually per Rivopump (creates carbon credit opportunities)

100%

Carbon-neutral operation unlocks ESG investment and sustainable financing

Zero waste

Minimal maintenance and no fuel disposal, reducing environmental liability

Market Impact

13.2M

Addressable farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa near rivers (SAM)

660K units

5-year target deployment at 5% market penetration (SOM)

4x reach

Shared ownership model multiplies market penetration efficiency

0 kg
CO₂ saved annually per Rivopump
0
Annual cost savings per farmer
0
Customer Lifetime Value (5 years)
Global Impact

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Direct alignment with global sustainability frameworks

SDG 1 - No Poverty
SDG 1

No Poverty

Provides income stability for smallholder farmers through reliable, year-round irrigation access.

Eliminates fuel dependency and operating cost volatility, enabling predictable cash flow and reduced financial vulnerability.

SDG 13 - Climate Action
SDG 13

Climate Action

Delivers direct CO₂ reduction through diesel displacement, 3,250 kg annually per unit deployed.

Carbon-neutral irrigation infrastructure builds climate resilience for agriculture in water-stressed regions.

Rivopump irrigation system in operation at a pilot project site

Field-Tested &
Farmer-Approved

4

Pilot Projects
Completed

4

Rivopumps
Installed & Tested

100%

Customer
Satisfaction

*Pilot projects include family farms, fish farms, and partnerships with NGOs training communities in sustainable agriculture.

"Before Rivopump, I spent too much money on diesel for irrigation. Now the river powers my farm for free."

Smallholder Farmer

Pilot Project Participant

Aerial view of Rivopump installation site

INSTALLED.
TESTED.
DELIVERING REAL IMPACT.

Milestones

More Achievements

Key accomplishments driving our mission forward

Manufacturing Center

Manufacturing Center

We have established our own manufacturing center, allowing us to scale production and maintain full control over quality and innovation.

Key Partnerships

Key Partnerships

We have built strategic partnerships with NGOs and agribusinesses that support our mission and expand our reach.

Competitions & Awards

Competitions & Awards

Through competition wins, the NRW Gründungsstipendium, and achieving top-22 out of 200,000 at the Hult Prize, we have secured €59,000 in funding.

Trusted By

OurPartners

Gateway
TH Köln
BCG
IrrHub
Uni Köln
Gründungsstipendium NRW
Gateway
TH Köln
BCG
IrrHub
Uni Köln
Gründungsstipendium NRW
Gateway
TH Köln
BCG
IrrHub
Uni Köln
Gründungsstipendium NRW
Enactus
Act! c
Make Me Smile Kenya
Enactus
Act! c
Make Me Smile Kenya
Enactus
Act! c
Make Me Smile Kenya

Rivopump

Revolutionizing river-powered irrigation for a sustainable future in Sub-Saharan Africa.

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