Lari Case Study
50% uplift in return, for the Lari Horticultural Farmers’ Cooperative Society
Kenya’s first “Try Before You Buy” (TBYB) sustainable cooling and cold-chain unit
In March 2025, ACTS, in collaboration with CCN, the Lari Horticultural Farmers’ Cooperative Society Limited (LHFCSL), and key stakeholders, launched Kenya’s and Africa’s first “Try Before You Buy” (TBYB) sustainable cooling and cold-chain unit in Kinale, Lari Sub-County, Kiambu County.
The TBYB is the second phase of the SPOKE community engagement programme - developed by CCN and ACES. During this phase, a package of basic cold-chain equipment (static and transport) was installed for the coming harvest, during which the community could test out their business model in real conditions with ongoing support and mentoring.
Measurable results
- 163 smallholders have registered to join the cooperative, to date
- Farmers are fetching 50%+ better prices for their produce
As they operate through a cooperative model, the farmers must always receive 80% of the price their products achieve on the market, while 20% remains within the cooperative as revenue to ensure sustainable business operations.
Essential reading
“Born in Rwanda but pan-Africa in vision”
28th Jul 2025
The Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold-chain (ACES) was conceived to increase and accelerate the adoption and uptake of resilient, efficient, inclusive and climate-friendly cooling and cold-chain.
ACES SPOKE programme delivers farmers 50% uplift in return
30th Jul 2025
In March 2025, the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS), in collaboration with the Clean Cooling Network, the Lari Horticultural Farmers’ Cooperative Society Limited (LHFCSL), and key stakeholders, launched Kenya’s and Africa’s first “Try Before You Buy” (TBYB) sustainable cooling and cold-chain unit in Kinale, Lari Sub-County, Kiambu County.
Our community cold-chain development programme is open for applications
29th Jul 2025
Smallholder farmer organisations operating within 200kms of Nairobi, Kenya are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to participate in our next community cold-chain engagement programme. As an example of the programme’s success, the Lari cooperative has been able to earn – on average – over 50% higher return for their produce than previously due to their participation in the programme.
Try Before You Buy
4th Nov 2025
Derisking Cold-Chain Systems to help farmers validate business models in Kenya The uniqueness and advantage of the Try Before You Buy offer is that the associated technology is only introduced after farmers and cooperative leaders have undergone a structured process of engagement, training, and business planning.
