This project aims to strengthen the agricultural value chain in Kenya through a cold storage-as-a-service business model. SokoFresh will pilot an integrated approach to refrigeration, aggregation of produce, food processing and market linkages for smallholder avocado farmers. The project will install six containerised, solar PV cold storage units and two solar-powered avocado oil extraction facilities. Farmers will have access to these facilities on a rental basis and be connected to buyers and markets for a small service fee. The facilities will reduce food losses and improve the quality and value of products reaching the market. The project will be implemented in partnership with Enviu, Avomeru and Ecozen. EEP Africa financing will enable SokoFresh to test this pay-as-you-store model, with the goal of scaling up to fill a clear market gap.
The project expects to improve the avocado value chain from collection to market through productive use of clean energy. The cold storage and processing facilities will reduce food losses and improve the quality and value of products reaching the market. This will reduce the strain of agriculture on the climate and increase farmer income by 30-50%.
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Kenya
EUR 658 443
EUR 457 676
Solar PV
Pilot project, stand-alone
2021