How well did the evaporative passive cooling blanket preserve fresh produce in Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria?
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study evaluates the performance of the passive cooling blankets (PCBs) in reducing postharvest losses and extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables in Kenya, Uganda, and Nigeria. Using natural padding materials such as sawdust and charcoal, PCBs were successfully deployed across diverse climatic conditions to assess their thermal regulation efficacy, focusing on temperature reduction and maintaining high humidity. In Kenya, experiments conducted on tomatoes, kale, zucchini, and peas achieved up to a 10 °C maximum temperature reduction and maintained 95% relative humidity. This resulted in a postharvest loss reduction of up to 45%. In Uganda, the PCB deployed within the local tomato supply chain lowered air temperatures by an average of up to 2 °C. It also achieved a maximum reduction of up to 20 °C during the warmest time of the day while maintaining a relative humidity of around 85%. PCB extended the shelf life of tomatoes by 2 days during transport and market storage, resulting in increased sales revenue. Here, the performance was lower compared to Kenya and Nigeria, as the harvest was done close to the rainy season. In Nigeria, PCB reduced air temperature by an average of 5 °C, a maximum reduction of 20 °C, and increased relative humidity by 25%. This results in a decrease in the weight loss of tomatoes by 32% and postharvest rot by 20%. This study provides actionable insights into temperature and humidity management, offering a sustainable alternative for improving food security and reducing waste in resource-limited settings.
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,000
OpenAlex ID: W7124830468