An agritech expert, Mr. Ayomide Olugbade, has called for the widespread adoption of solar-powered cold storage systems as a sustainable solution to Nigeria’s post-harvest losses and food insecurity.
Olugbade, Chief Executive Officer of Rendcore Technology Ltd., made the call in an interview on Tuesday in Lagos.
Post-harvest losses in Nigeria are estimated at nearly 50% annually, translating to over $9 billion in economic losses. These losses are largely driven by inadequate storage infrastructure, poor transportation, limited access to modern technologies, and a lack of cold chain systems.
Olugbade emphasized the urgency of action, warning that Nigeria must increase food production by 75 to 100% by 2050 to meet the demands of its growing population.
“To ensure food security, Nigeria must reduce post-harvest losses by at least 50%, double smallholder farmers’ productivity through agritech and irrigation, and scale up infrastructure for storage, logistics, and food processing,” he said.
“Decentralised, solar-powered cold storage systems offer a cost-effective, energy-efficient solution—particularly for perishable crops like fruits and vegetables. These innovations can reduce spoilage, empower rural farmers, and strengthen national food resilience.”
Olugbade noted that Nigeria produces around 13.9 million tonnes of fruits and vegetables annually, yet loses half of that output due to poor preservation. “This results in an estimated economic loss of $24.3 billion per year, which undermines food availability and national development,” he added.
He cited poor harvesting practices, mechanical injuries during transportation, microbial spoilage, and inadequate storage as common causes of post-harvest losses, particularly for smallholder farmers.
“These farmers often lack access to cold storage technologies, making them the most vulnerable to food spoilage,” he said.
Olugbade described solar-powered cold storage as a game-changing technology that addresses Nigeria’s infrastructural and energy limitations. However, he acknowledged that the high cost of installation and maintenance remains a significant barrier.
He urged the Nigerian government to invest in scaling this solution nationwide, particularly in rural areas. “Government support is crucial. With the right funding models and policy backing, solar cold storage can be a transformative tool in reducing waste and boosting rural economies.”
He also highlighted the role of youth in the agritech space.
“Young innovators, supported by Nigeria’s expanding tech ecosystem, can design, deploy, and maintain solar-powered storage solutions. With funding, training, and incubation, these youth-led solutions can thrive, especially in underserved communities.”
Olugbade stressed that aligning financing models with community ownership, and ensuring support through institutional frameworks and youth involvement, is essential for long-term success.
“The adoption of solar cold storage will not only improve food security but also create jobs, increase farmers’ profits, and reduce waste at scale,” he concluded.
