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Must read in IJR: Overview of cold storage capacity in Uganda

The cold storage capacity in Uganda was estimated at 4.5 m3 per 1,000 inhabitants in 2023, according to a recent survey on existing cold storage facilities for bulk handling of perishable food products.

Improving the cold chain worldwide contributes to reduce food loss. IIR estimated that low-income countries could save 144 million tonnes of food per year by upgrading their refrigeration capacity [1]. According to FAO estimates, more than 38% of food losses occur at production, postharvest handling and processing levels in the sub-Saharan African region [2].

 

In a study recently published in the International Journal of Refrigeration (IJR), Mukama M. and Abaasa P. surveyed bulk cold storage facilities used in handling perishable agricultural food produce in the 16 city districts of Uganda [3].

 

Only 9 out of 16 city districts had bulk cold storage facilities, translating to a cold storage capacity of 4.5 m3 per 1,000 inhabitants.

 

This finding is comparable to that of Ethiopia for instance, estimated at 5 m3 per 1,000 inhabitants in 2020, but lower than that of Kenya estimated at 38 m3 per 1,000 inhabitants in 2020, according to GCCA [4]. 

Regarding the effectiveness of the cold storage facilities surveyed in Uganda, there was significant variation of temperature from the respective set points, varying from between 1/3 to 3/4 of the storage time periods. For example, one facility in the city Entebbe handled exotic chilled fruit and vegetables. Despite a set temperature of 10°C, the facility experienced fluctuations between 8°C and 21.3°C. In the capital Kampala, one facility set at -18°C to handle frozen food, experienced temperatures ranging from -23.2°C to -12.9°C.

 

Temperature fluctuations during cold handling deteriorate food safety and quality. Moreover, temperature variations also increase energy consumption.

 

For more information, download the study on FRIDOC.

 

Did you know? The IIR published a technical guide advising on the design and operation of walk-in cold rooms that are well suited for hot climates, especially in off and weak-grid areas.
 

Download the “Walk-In Cold Rooms: A Practitioner’s Technical Guide”

 

Sources:

[1] IIR. The Role of Refrigeration in Worldwide Nutrition—6th Informatory Note on Refrigeration and Food. International Institute of Refrigeration. 2020. https://iifiir.org/en/fridoc/the-role-of-refrigeration-in-worldwide-nutrition-2020-142029

[2] Makule E, Dimoso N, Tassou SA. Precooling and Cold Storage Methods for Fruits and Vegetables in Sub-Saharan Africa—A Review. Horticulturae. 2022; 8(9):776. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8090776

[3] 2020 Global Cold Storage Capacity Report. https://iifiir.org/en/fridoc/2020-global-cold-storage-capacity-report-144390

[4] Mukama, M., & Abaasa, P. (2024). Assessment of the cold storage capacity used in bulk handling of perishable agricultural produce in Ugandan cities. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2024.05.030