CAFS, NSPRI Unveil Blockchain-Powered Solar Dryers to Tackle Nigeria’s Post-Harvest Losses

News in Brief:

-Nigerian farmers are getting blockchain-enabled climate-smart solar dryers to combat massive post-harvest losses.

-The UNDP-backed initiative targets smallholder farmers, women processors, and youth with training and tech for transparent, sustainable food preservation nationwide.

Community Action for Food Security (CAFS Africa) and the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) have unveiled the “Incorporation of Blockchain Technology to Access Climate-Smart Solar Dryers” project, in an effort to slash post-harvest losses crippling Nigeria’s agriculture sector. 

The initiative, backed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Tadamon Accelerator for Food Security, directly tackles one of the biggest hurdles in the nation’s food supply chain; the alarming waste of perishable produce due to poor preservation methods. 

The project is a fusion of renewable energy and digital ledger technology that promises to empower smallholder farmers, women in food processing, and rural communities, fostering resilient food systems amid climate challenges and economic pressures.

Urgent Call for Innovation in Post-Harvest Management

Speaking at the unveiling, the Executive Director of NSPRI, Prof. Lateef Sanni, stressed the pressing need for innovative solutions. He emphasised that strengthening food preservation is vital for national food security and better livelihoods.

“Nigeria continues to face significant post-harvest losses. It is estimated that 30% to 50% of perishable agricultural produce is lost annually due to inadequate storage, inefficient processing systems and limited access to preservation technologies. These losses disproportionately affect smallholder farmers, women processors and rural communities, contributing to reduced incomes, food insecurity and economic inefficiencies,’’ he revealed.

These figures align with longstanding reports from NSPRI and partners like the FAO, which peg losses at up to 50% for crops like fruits, vegetables, and grains, equating to billions in economic drain and heightened food prices. For Nigerian professionals, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders, this project signals a timely shift towards tech-driven interventions that could stabilise supply chains and boost farm-gate incomes.

Solar Dryers and Blockchain for Transparency

The founder of CAFS Africa, Mr Azeez Salawu, detailed how the project merges climate-smart infrastructure with cutting-edge digital tools.

“By integrating solar-powered dryers with blockchain technology, we are not only reducing food losses but also ensuring transparency, equitable access and long-term sustainability. The initiative introduces solar-powered dryers as a clean, efficient and climate-resilient method of preserving agricultural produce and a blockchain-enabled platform to track usage, promote transparency and democratise access to shared infrastructure,’’ he said.

These dryers offer a fuel-free, eco-friendly alternative to traditional sun-drying, cutting contamination risks, enhancing product quality, and extending shelf life. All of these measures are crucial for perishable goods in humid climates.

Blockchain adds real-time tracking of dryer usage, preventing misuse and ensuring fair allocation, much like how digital ledgers revolutionise supply chains elsewhere. This combo not only curbs the 30-50% losses but positions Nigerian agric entrepreneurs to tap premium markets with better-preserved produce.

Capacity Building for Inclusive Growth

Dr Michael Omodara, Project Training and Deployment Expert, highlighted the tech’s dual benefits. He noted that the solar dryers improve quality and shelf life, while blockchain enables monitoring and accountability.

“Integration of blockchain into agricultural systems represented a forward-looking approach to building smart and resilient food systems,” he added.

The project prioritises inclusion, offering training for smallholder farmers, women processors, and youth as technicians and digital facilitators. Expected outcomes include reduced losses, wider market access, higher incomes, and fortified community food systems that are climate-resilient and tech-savvy.

For students and enthusiasts, this model exemplifies how innovation can bridge rural gaps, create jobs, and drive Nigeria’s agric transformation, echoing successes like Kano’s rice straw training hubs.

As Nigeria grapples with food inflation and climate shocks, initiatives like this from CAFS, NSPRI, and UNDP underscore the power of public-private-NGO partnerships. Stakeholders in the sector should watch closely, as scalable tech like blockchain solar drying could redefine post-harvest handling, ensuring more produce reaches tables and markets profitably.