Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) has highlighted the need for more solar-powered cold storage facilities in rural areas to reduce post-harvest losses of fresh produce, particularly fruits and vegetables. Officials say such technology could extend shelf life, limit waste, and improve farmers' access to markets.
In Africa, as much as 40% of food is lost after harvest due to a lack of adequate cold storage. A 2023 RAB study showed post-harvest losses across value chains, with tomatoes at 33.5%, cassava at 24.8%, Irish potatoes at 25.2%, and maize at 13.8%.
Florence Uwamahoro, Deputy Director General in charge of Agriculture Development at RAB, said Rwanda is targeting a reduction in post-harvest losses in staple crops from 13.8% in 2023 to 8% by 2029. "These technologies will help reduce the loss of perishable goods after harvest. Priority crops include vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, and other commodities, ensuring they reach consumers fresh, safe, and of high quality," she said. "Farmers will be guided on how to leverage these innovations to improve storage and profitability."
In 2022, RAB estimated that up to 40% of all food produced in Rwanda was lost or wasted annually, impacting food security and farmer incomes.
At an exhibition on cooling technologies, Claudine Uwineza, coordinator for solar-powered coolers at Munyax-Eco, said three solar-powered cold rooms have been installed. "Each cold room is set to +4°C, ideal for fresh produce. We've installed units in Juru (Bugesera District) and Kamonyi District for a local cooperative, while another is being set up in Nyamagabe," she explained. "Each facility has a capacity of five metric tonnes. We've also developed solar freezers of various sizes, from 110 kg to 538 kg, to help farmers and vendors store perishables efficiently."
Uwineza added that flexible payment options, including instalment plans, could encourage adoption. "These appliances are portable and cost-saving in the long term. Given the new electricity tariffs in rural areas, now is the right time to invest in solar energy. Solar solutions offer both economic and environmental benefits," she said.
Toby Peters, Professor of Cold Economy at the University of Birmingham and Founding Director of the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold Chain (ACES), underlined the role of cold infrastructure. "We're losing 37% of food, and that's not just waste. That's economic value, investment, and people's livelihoods. The cold chain is critical infrastructure, as essential as water pipes or electricity lines, because it moves vital goods such as food."
Source: The New Times
