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  A significant portion of the agricultural produce in Nigeria (up to 45%) is lost post-harvest due to inadequate storage and preservation methods. This not only affects farmers’ incomes but also contributes to food scarcity and economic challenges.
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Ecotutu is a Nigerian cleantech company working on addressing this pressing issue. The company which was Founded in 2020 by Babajide Oluwase and Michael Akinsete does this by providing solar-powered cold storage solutions for both large and small-scale farmers. According to Ecotutu, their mission is to reduce post-harvest losses by offering accessible and sustainable cooling solutions. They recognized that one of the contributory factors that led to the high post-harvest losses is the challenges posed by inconsistent power supply, especially in rural areas. They, therefore, developed off-grid, solar-powered cold rooms designed to operate efficiently without reliance on the national grid, ensuring that perishable goods remain fresh from farm to market. One of their flagship initiatives is the installation of a 20-ton solar-powered cold storage facility at the popular Mile 12 Market in Lagos, which prides itself as West Africa’s largest hub for fresh produce. This facility, launched in April 2023, offers traders and farmers a reliable means to preserve their goods, extending the shelf life of perishable produce from two to 21 days and reducing post-harvest loss by 85%. Their solutions aren’t limited to stationary facilities. They’ve also introduced mobile solutions like the “Fresh Box” and “Ice Cell,” which come in varying portable sizes that could be used for the preservation of perishables during transportation. This flexibility is very important, especially to farmers in remote areas, allowing them to maintain the quality of their produce en route to markets, further minimizing losses.
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The impact of Ecotutu’s solutions is very profound. By providing affordable, pay-as-you-chill models, they’ve made cold storage accessible to smallholder farmers who might not have the capital for significant investments. This model has not only increased farmers’ incomes by 20-35% but has also empowered them to bring a more significant share of their harvest to market. Moreover, Ecotutu’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its operations. By harnessing solar energy, they reduce reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to a greener environment. Their initiatives have saved over 3,000 tonnes of fruits and vegetables from spoilage, underscoring their role in promoting food security in Nigeria. The success of Ecotutu highlights the transformative power of innovative solutions in addressing age-old challenges in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. By leveraging technology and sustainable practices, they are not only improving the livelihoods of farmers but also contributing to the nation’s broader goals of food security and economic stability. Ecotutu’s journey offers valuable lessons for Nigerian farmers and stakeholders in the agricultural value chain. Lessons in resilience, innovation, and the importance of sustainable practices. Their story serves as an inspiration for what can be achieved when technology meets a genuine commitment to societal impact.
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As they continue to expand their services across Nigeria, one can only anticipate further advancements in reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing the agricultural landscape of the country.
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This article was first published on 14th March 2025
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victor-ifegwu-mbonu

Ifegwu-Mbonu Victor is a Personal Growth and Leadership Trainer who provides training and coaching to individuals and organizations.

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