Low cost device helps Kenyan farmers reduce waste

University of Nairobi Postharvest Expert Dr Jane Ambuko explaining how the Coolbolt device works last week. [PHOTOS:MAUREEN ODIWUOR/STANDARD]

NAIROBI, KENYA: Smallholder farmers especially those in vegetable and fruit farming face the biggest challenge of maintaining the freshness of their produce until it reaches the market.

Fruits and vegetables are perishable commodities with 50 per cent estimated to be lost due to poor post-harvest handling practices and lack of appropriate technologies.