Renewable energy and data visibility targeted to reduce Africa's food losses

Sub-Saharan Africa faces significant post-harvest food losses, with agricultural data indicating that up to 40 percent of produce is lost before reaching consumers. Spoilage rates for fruits and vegetables can reach as high as 70 percent. These losses impact a sector that employs over 60 percent of the regional workforce and accounts for one-third of the gross domestic product.

At the Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, experts discussed how renewable energy, specifically solar power paired with battery storage, can mitigate these inefficiencies. Such technology offers a modular and affordable way to power irrigation, cold storage, and agro-processing in rural areas, reducing reliance on expensive diesel generators.

Beyond physical infrastructure, experts also highlight a critical information deficit. While the Kampala Declaration aims to reduce post-harvest losses by 50 percent by 2035, achieving this requires better data visibility. Currently, a lack of timely information regarding harvests, storage conditions, and market demand prevents businesses from effectively coordinating transport and processing, often leading to disconnected decisions that exacerbate food waste.