S23 - Session P8 - Simple Cold Chain for Smallholder Horticultural Farmers: Case Study of Mango Fruit in Kenya

Authors: Emmanuel Amwoka, Jane Ambuko Lukhachi *, Margaret Hutchinson, Willis Owino

Poor cold chain management is one of the main drivers of postharvest losses in fruits and vegetables. For most smallholder horticultural farmers in Africa, conventional cold rooms are not only expensive to install and maintain but their efficient operation is hampered by unreliable electricity in rural areas. This paper highlights simple technologies and practices for cold chain management among smallholder farmers. The paper presents evidence from a case study of smallholder mango farmers in Kenya. The farmers who are organized in a group (Karurumo Self-help Horticultural Farmers) jointly own simple on-grid and off-grid cold storage technologies. The paper provides evidence of effectiveness of the installed technologies including evaporative cooling technologies (off-grid) and the Coolbot™ cold room (on-grid) to preserve the postharvest quality of mango fruit, thereby extending the shelf life and marketing period. Application of these technologies together with other postharvest handling practices has enabled the farmers to aggregate large volumes of high quality mango fruits and negotiate for better prices from traders. Adoption of these technologies and practices can complement other efforts towards postharvest loss reduction,better market access and profits for smallholder horticultural farmers.