In the face of advancing climate change and the growing scarcity of natural resources, the development of sustainable solutions is no longer just an alternative but has become an urgent matter. Although human action is at the heart of the environmental crisis, it also represents the key to reducing its effects through science, innovation and social commitment.
One of these answers comes from an academic study conducted in Piauí, which proves how technology can concretely improve the lives of vulnerable communities through solar energy. A thesis defended in the Doctoral Program in Development and Environment at UFPI (Federal University of Piauí) highlights the use of solar-powered water pumping systems as a viable and sustainable alternative in regions of the semi-arid region of Piauí.
The work, entitled “Use of photovoltaic pumping systems as a social technology in semi-arid regions: Study in rural areas of Piaui", is written by Fabrício Higo Monturil de Morais, professor at IFPI (Federal Institute of Piauí). The research analyzed rural communities that face serious difficulties in accessing water and electricity, aggravated by long periods of drought.
The study demonstrated that the installation of systems solar pumping contributed significantly to improving the quality of life of these populations, allowing food cultivation and animal husbandry even outside the rainy season.
“During my master’s degree, I learned about the Canindé Solar project and realized the real impact that these devices had on communities. Families saw the system as a solution for survival. Many didn’t even have the basics, but with the water extracted from the wells, they started to plant crops and raise animals. During my doctorate, I wanted to delve deeper into this topic and understand whether these changes were lasting,” explained the researcher.
According to Morais, residents resorted to restricted methods to obtain water, such as wells, wells and manual extraction systems, and even when there was an electricity grid, the supply was precarious. The adoption of solar energy present in the region, it proved to be an efficient solution with low environmental impact.
The research was supervised by Professor Wilza Lopes, with coordination by Professor Marcos Antônio Tavares Lira, both from UFPI. Wilza highlights that the work aligns two fronts of her line of research: photovoltaic energy and the semi-arid context.
For her, it is the university's role to seek concrete answers to social challenges through scientific research. “The population of the semi-arid region has historically faced many problems, caused by frequent periods of drought, and energy is a problem for leveraging the development of communities, especially rural ones.”
“I am certain that academia is capable of providing answers to society’s various problems in broad areas of knowledge in a sustainable manner. However, to produce knowledge, laboratory infrastructure and personnel are necessary, the costs of which vary in different areas of knowledge,” added Wilza.
“The population of the semi-arid region has historically lived with drought and energy exclusion. These factors impede the development of rural communities. The university has the potential to produce knowledge that generates sustainable solutions. However, to achieve this, it is essential to have infrastructure, laboratories and qualified professionals,” argued the professor.
Morals He also emphasizes that academia must act directly in social transformation. For him, projects like this exemplify the strategic role of science in reducing inequalities and building a fairer future. “Research needs to go beyond theory. When it connects with reality and proposes solutions, especially for the most vulnerable populations, it fulfills its social function. The union between science and technology can promote real and lasting changes,” he concluded.
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