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In Ainabkoi, Kenya, Hanse AgroStore Africa introduced a transformative solution to address the pressing issue of post-harvest losses. This project was requested by the County Government of Uasin Gishu and we combined modern storage technology with natural environmental conditions. The result is a small, customized, and professional storage unit within the scope of small-scale farmers.
This cutting-edge storage unit uses no electricity, relying instead on natural ventilation and insulation to maintain cool internal temperatures. Farmers can now preserve their potatoes for up to six months, reducing waste significantly and allowing them to sell at more favorable market prices.
This project aimed to empower local agricultural communities and improve food security. By providing the ability to store produce for several months, the cold storage barn reduced waste, stabilized food supplies, and improved financial outcomes for farmers. This project demonstrates the power of sustainable solutions to enhance rural livelihoods.
Considering the challenges with the cost and availability of electricity, the cold store features a modular, zero-energy storage design, leveraging natural ventilation and insulation for crop preservation without electricity. The potato storage facility was constructed using sandwich cladding materials, ensuring it maintained cool internal temperatures despite warm daytime conditions. The facility is also adaptable for other crops, extending its utility.
In this video, the Government Official of the County Government of Uasin Gishu, highlights how the project benefits local farmers by reducing post-harvest losses and improving their market opportunities:
After bringing the construction materials, the 50-ton capacity storage facility was assembled in just one week. Hanse’s team worked alongside local laborers. This collaboration not only ensured efficient execution but also fostered skill transfer to the community, enhancing the project’s long-term sustainability.
This storage was officially opened in February 2017 by the Uasin Gishu County Governor:
“Our first project in Africa offered a unique challenge and an incredible opportunity,” Chris Ramos shares. “By combining local insights with advanced design, we created a solution farmers could rely on. Seeing farmers store potatoes for up to six months and sell at significantly higher prices was a gratifying testament to the impact we can achieve together.”
The project has set a benchmark for climate-controlled agricultural storage in Kenya. Its success has inspired plans for additional facilities, with the potential to transform food preservation practices across the region, such as the Hanse Zero-Energy Storage Solution for Elgeyo Marakwet Farmers Marketing Cooperative Society.
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