Reducing postharvest losses with simple cool boxes in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

WorldVeg, in collaboration with Wageningen University and Research, introduced cool boxes to traders in Moshi central market in April 2024 along with complementary items like ice packs, hessian sacks and mats. Over two weeks, researchers assessed their effectiveness and the feasibility of this simple technology.

Rabia Hussein storing her vegetables in a cool box at Sokokuu in Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region

Rabia Hussein highlighted the significant reduction in vegetable damage, loss and the increased appeal of her produce to customers. “The cool box not only ensures the quality and freshness of my vegetables but also leaves a lasting impression on my customers, who consistently admire the exceptional quality of what I offer. By using this box, I have slashed my expenses on frequent transportation, as I can buy large volumes of vegetables without worrying about wilting or losses the next day. It’s a win-win situation, benefiting both my business and my customers.”

In a concerted effort to promote the adoption of this technology, beneficiaries were required to store a selection of vegetables in the cool box while displaying a small portion at the top of the boxes to raise customers’ and other traders’ awareness. Other traders in the market were eager to try the technology. Given the strong social network that encourages sharing, the beneficiaries allowed the other traders to store some of their produce. Another trader, Leah Shoo, explained, “I wanted to experience using the cool box that my colleagues were given by WorldVeg. I asked Leila to let me use it for a night. So, one evening as we left for home, I packed my carrots, green peppers and okra in the box. The following morning, to my delight, I discovered that they were still perfectly fresh. Encouraged by this, I left them for another day, and once again, they remained wonderfully fresh.” She attests to the prolonged freshness of her vegetables, and Leah’s anecdote underscores the transformative impact of the cool boxes. In a region characterized by tropical conditions, where soaring temperatures pose a formidable challenge to food preservation, the cool box emerges as a game-changer, extending the shelf life of vegetables and fruits while safeguarding their essential attributes.

Aseyo traders group together with WorldVeg staff during a workshop on using cool box

Beyond the appealing appearance of the cool boxes, traders are able to reduce contamination by using the box, as the fruit and vegetables are stored in closed condition as opposed to the traditional way of exposing the produce. By ensuring boxes are kept clean, traders not only enhance the marketability of their goods, but also ensure the produce is safe, thereby fostering consumer trust and loyalty. The successful implementation of the cool box pilot initiative not only addresses immediate storage challenges, but also shows the potential for sustainable solutions to empower small scale traders and enhance food security within local communities. This achievement is just the beginning. As stakeholders continue to collaborate and innovate, initiatives like these pave the way for a brighter future where access to fresh, nutritious produce is a reality for all.

This reports work undertaken as part of the FRESH (Fruit and Vegetables for Sustainable Healthy Diets) project, a One CGIAR initiative jointly implemented by WorldVeg and One CGIAR centers, including IFPRI and CIMMYT. https://www.cgiar.org/initiative/fruit-and-vegetables-for-sustainable-healthy-diets-fresh/