Growing demand for reliable cold chains to safely deliver much needed food and medicines to a rapidly increasing global population is a neglected focus in the green transition. With the world’s population expected to grow by nearly 2 billion people by 2050, investments in sustainable cold chain technology are urgently needed to ensure that we are able to feed the growing number of people on the planet. If food waste was a country, it would be the third largest emitter behind the US and China, contributing to up to 10% of the world’s greenhouse gases. Danfoss collaborate with various partners to build reliable cold chain in emergent markets.
ACES stands as the pioneering Center dedicated to sustainable, smart cold-chain, cooling and post-harvest management (PHM). The 4.8 hectare main campus in Kigali, is hosted by the University of Rwanda in Kigali in collaboration with Rwanda Polytechnic (IPRC).
Danfoss provides training modules and has sponsored an Inspira Farms cold room as part of the training center. Read more about ACES
Further planned Danfoss activities include “train the trainer” programs and intensified engagement with installer associations in Rwanda.
Partners: Government of Rwanda (REMA), University of Rwanda, UNEP U4E, CSC, The UK government, The University of Birmingham in partnership with universities across Britain.
Danfoss is the main commercial partner of the Loss2Value Project in Kenya, one of the Danish “Danida Green Business Partnerships” funded initiatives. Launched together with the Danish Church Aid at the Africa Climate Summit in September 2023, the project currently engages approximately 2,000 farmers in Nakuru and Nyandarua counties. Its objective is to reduce post-harvest losses by emphasizing the concrete value of energy-efficient cold storage to smallholder farmers and traders in Kenya and creating the ecosystem to make it a sustainable business case. Read more here or here.
By implementing sustainable business models and financing solutions, the initiative seeks to empower Small and Medium Sized Enterprises and farmers. Elevating expertise, accreditation, and standards in cold and cooling systems are integral to this initiative to foster a favorable environment for responsible climate solutions. This initiative not only addresses the immediate challenges, but also contributes to creating a lasting and resilient impact on the agricultural landscape in Kenya.
Partners: DanChurchAid (DCA), Danfoss (key commercial partner), Other partners: Fresh Produce Exporter's Association of Kenya, FSD Kenya.
37% of food is wasted in Sub-Saharan Africa. This not only leads to reduced food security, it also results in reduced sales and income for farmers and traders. To tackle this challenge Danfoss has enrolled 12 students across Africa to collect market data from their home countries. Over six months, the students specialized in mechanical and electrical engineering have conducted research on food facilities, hotels and industries in Rwanda, Nigeria, Kenya, and the Ivory Coast.
This Danfoss Project focuses on Africa as a region with growth potential. These young minds of Africa are ready to dive into the inner market as they know the language and are familiar with technology and can gain useful insights for future and existing Africa-related cold chain projects. The Danfoss initiative will not only provide possibility for professional and personal growth for the students, but can also uplift the existing cold chain market in Africa to other parts of the world.
Growing demand for reliable cold chains to safely deliver much needed food and medicines to a rapidly increasing global population is a neglected focus in the green transition. Ahead of the Adaption & Agriculture Day at COP27 on November 12, Danish engineering company, Danfoss, calls for more investments in cold chain technology to contribute to food security by cutting food loss and waste and to reduce emissions.
This year’s UN Food Day is a unique one. While the world is still grappling with pandemic related supply chain challenges, I can’t help but reflect on the state of food transport.
Did you know that as much as 40% of all food produced is wasted due to lack of proper cold chains? No electricity means no cooling for protecting food. Read why it is important to develop sustainable cold chains as the solution to solve the food crisis.