1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites

Finding a cool solution to decrease Nigeria's food loss

04:19

This browser does not support the video element.

Damilola Ayo Adekoya in Lagos | Lukas Lottersberger
May 12, 2026

From farms to markets, fresh produce rot within days. Harnessing the sun to chill food is proving to be a game changer in Nigeria.

Farmers and traders in Nigeria are finding new ways to keep fresh produce from going to waste in extreme heat. Across the country, poor storage and unreliable refrigeration mean that fruits and vegetables often spoil before they can be sold, cutting into incomes and food supply.

Now, solar-powered cold storage units are offering a practical solution, helping farmers preserve their harvest for longer and giving traders more time to sell. By reducing food waste and lowering costs, these systems are improving livelihoods while also tackling the environmental impact of rotting produce. It's a simple idea with the potential to transform the way food moves from farm to market.

Lukas Lottersberger Multimedia journalist, reporter and producer, covering global news and environmental innovations.
Skip next section DW's Top Story

DW's Top Story

Skip next section More stories from DW

More stories from DW