Development of cooled storage and transportation is critical for increasing agricultural productivity and reducing food loss and waste and price volatility. But development of “cold chains” is often hampered by lack of organization, access to credit and energy, and markets. In Nigeria, ColdHubs has built a successful business providing walk-in, solar-powered cold stations for use on-farm and in markets.

This policy seminar will reflect on Nigeria’s “cold hub” experience and discuss how cold chain development can work for rural communities, women’s empowerment, food loss prevention, and broader agri-food system development.  

Presenter

• Nnaemeka C. Ikegwuonu, Founder and CEO, ColdHubs (Presentation | Video)

Panelists

• Paul Dorosh, Director of Development Strategy and Governance Division, IFPRI (Video)
• Gene Moses, Senior Strategy & Knowledge Officer, Agribusiness Department, International Finance Corporation, World Bank Group (Video)
• Catherine Ragasa, Research Fellow, IFPRI (Video)
• Richard Tracy, Vice President of International Programs, Global Cold Chain Alliance (Video)

Moderator

• Rob Vos, Director of Markets, Trade and Institutions Division, IFPRI (Video)
• Q&A Video