Heifer International’s sponsored agritech storage solution, ColdHubs, has launched a solar-powered facility designed for smallholder farmers and sellers of perishable farm produce at the ABAT CBD Market in Ibeju-Lekki. The launch event, held on Tuesday in Lagos, was attended by farmers, traders, and government officials. Rufus Idris, the Country Director of Heifer International in Nigeria, emphasized that ColdHubs’ innovation would play a crucial role in helping Nigeria achieve food sufficiency and reduce hunger.
Idris highlighted the potential of young entrepreneurs across Africa to create homegrown solutions that encourage greater interest in the agriculture sector. He stated that Heifer International believes one effective way to combat hunger and poverty is by intervening in agriculture, specifically by minimizing post-harvest losses faced by farmers. This intervention also aims to alleviate the pressure on traders who are often forced to sell their produce below cost price. “We want to do our part to help young innovators deploy tech innovations that will boost farming and food production and provide smallholder farmers with the support they require to grow a sustainable, profitable business,” he added.
During the ceremony, Mr. Nnaemeka Ikegwuonu, the founder and CEO of ColdHubs, expressed the company’s motivation to provide storage solutions for smallholder farmers who struggle to keep their produce fresh. This challenge often compels them to sell their goods shortly after harvest. With the support of Heifer International, ColdHubs is expanding its affordable, pay-as-you-go refrigeration options, making them accessible right in the heart of local markets. Ikegwuonu further noted that “post-harvest loss is huge in Nigeria, but with ColdHubs’ innovation, we have gotten production and processing of farm produce right.”
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