There is a growing need for a deeper conversation on cold chain systems and their role in preserving food and strengthening agricultural supply chains. For many of us, cold chain solutions were, in the past, primarily associated with the health sector. The most familiar image was a small ice box used to transport vaccines to rural health centers during immunization campaigns. ALSO READ: Rwanda eyes regional hub status in sustainable cooling and cold-chain systems Refrigerators and freezers were also largely seen as luxury appliances—mostly found in hospitals or in the homes of relatively wealthy families. For many rural communities and small-scale traders, cold storage was simply not part of the food distribution system. However, this perception needs to change. Cold chain solutions in food logistics are critical for value addition. They help preserve nutrients, extend shelf life, and maintain the freshness of farmers’ produce. Across developing countries, a significant share of perishable food is lost before it ever reaches consumers. ALSO READ: Rwanda’s logistics ambition is becoming reality In Rwanda, studies referenced by the National Agricultural Export Development Board indicate that post-harvest losses for fruits and vegetables can reach around 40 percent, largely due to poor storage, handling, and transportation conditions. This loss is not only an economic issue—it directly affects food security and nutrition. Farmers are often forced to sell their produce quickly at low prices simply to avoid spoilage. Without access to cold storage facilities, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and other perishables must be sold immediately after harvest. This reduces farmers’ bargaining power and limits the value they can capture from their work. Cold chain infrastructure can significantly change this situation. Imagine if major markets had accessible cold rooms where farmers and traders could safely store their produce. Instead of rushing to sell immediately, they could preserve freshness and quality while waiting for better market conditions. This would reduce food waste, stabilize prices, and increase farmers’ incomes. In many markets today, small-scale traders wake up as early as 3:00 am to transport fresh produce to urban markets. At the same time, hotel suppliers and bulk buyers gather at locations such as Nyabugogo Market as early as 5:00 am to purchase vegetables and other fresh products. Because farmers fear spoilage, they often accept lower prices during these early morning transactions. If cold storage facilities were available in and around these markets, farmers and traders would have the option to store unsold produce rather than selling under pressure. This would help maintain product value while ensuring a more stable supply of fresh food throughout the day. Encouragingly, Rwanda has already begun investing in this area. The National Agricultural Export Development Board, together with development partners, has been strengthening cold logistics for horticultural exports. This includes the introduction of refrigerated transport and improved post-harvest handling systems. These efforts are helping connect local farmers to international markets while reducing losses along the supply chain. The European market remains one of the most important destinations for African horticultural exports. However, accessing these markets requires strict quality and temperature control standards throughout the supply chain. From packhouses to refrigerated transport and airport cold rooms, strong cold chain systems are essential to preserve product quality and meet export requirements. Beyond exports, strengthening the cold chain has a much broader impact: nutrition and public health. When fresh foods such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and proteins are preserved and distributed efficiently, communities gain better access to nutritious diets. Over time, improved availability of fresh food can help address persistent challenges such as malnutrition and child stunting in developing countries. Cold chains, therefore, represent much more than a technological improvement in logistics—they are an investment in food security, farmer livelihoods, and healthier communities. As developing economies continue to modernize their supply chains, investing in cold storage infrastructure at farms, markets, and distribution centers will be critical. By doing so, countries can protect agricultural value, reduce food losses, and ensure that nutritious food reaches more households. Strengthening the cold chain may ultimately become one of the most practical and impactful steps toward building resilient food systems across Africa. African Munyaneza is a logistics and supply chain enthusiast.
