ShareCold chain figures in developing countries
Some interesting figures on developing countries were provided during the FAO Technical Meeting on Cold Chain Development in which the IIR participated.
- Halima Thraya, IIR Delegate of Tunisia and chairperson of the IIR Working Group on the cold chain in warm countries, reported that in Tunisia, the refrigerated storage capacity has increased from only 1000 m3 to about 2,400,000 m3 in 50 years. 89% of cold stores are operated by the private sector against 11% by the public sector. Of refrigeration capacity, 73% is dedicated to fruits and vegetables. H. Thraya estimates that this remarkable evolution is mainly due to the financial and fiscal incentives adopted by the Tunisian government to promote investments in the cold sector (e.g. in Tunisia, custom duties for refrigeration equipment are 0% vs more than 45% in some other African countries).
- Nepal produces an estimated 4.8 million litres of milk daily, half of which is consumed by farmers themselves, 15% sold to dairies and 35% goes to local markets. Around 567,000 litres of milk are cooled per day in the milk collection network. It is estimated that the dairy sector accounts for 9% of the GDP. Fifteen billion NPR (over EUR 120 million) have been invested into dairies which also provide direct employment to 20,000 individuals.
- According to NEPAD-FAO report, the value of African countries’ capture fisheries is estimated at USD 24 billion. Inland fishery provides one third of the total catch in Africa whereas aquaculture production has significantly increased and generated about USD 3 billion. In Tanzania, fish landing is estimated at roughly 375,000 tonnes per year, with 62% of fish coming from Lake Victoria. Aquaculture production is estimated at 10,000 tons per year.