Smallholder farmer organizations 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.
Run by the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold-chain (ACES) with the African Centre for Technology Center (ACTS), this novel programme has already successfully supported the creation of the Lari Horticultural Farmers’ Cooperative Society Limited (LHFCSL), in Kinale, Lari Sub-County, Kiambu County. Through this next round of the programme, we will work with up to five communities to develop and test financially viable and scalable business models for their cold-chain operations (such as Community Cooling Hubs (CCH’s)), delivering transformative benefits for local rural communities. Participation in this programme is entirely free of charge.
Programme Aims & Phases
Split into phases, we work collaboratively with the communities we support.
Phase 1 includes:
-
Developing the business models, technology selection, governance and operational systems.
-
Training including Postharvest Management, operations and Health & Safety.
By the end of Phase 1, each community should have its targeted business model and ecosystem to develop their own Community Cooling Hub (CCH) and cold-chain.
Phase 2 includes:
-
Through the Try Before You Buy (TBYB) concept, cold-chain equipment will be temporarily installed within one or two of the communities, allowing them to test out their business model.
-
Ongoing supporting and mentoring.
Benefits & A Success Story
Benefits of the TBYB include gaining first-hand experience, the opportunity to develop, test, evaluate and refine business models, and being able to demonstrate proof-of-concept to investors and financial institutions.
As an example of the programme’s success, the Lari cooperative has been able to aggregate their produce through their cold-chain and market their top-quality produce to higher-end markets. They earn – on average – over 50% higher return for their produce than previously.
Apply now
For further information on - and to apply for - the programme, please fill in the following form.
Submissions must be made by the 15th of August 2025.
We look forward to supporting up to five new communities in their cold-chain endeavors, while also providing market intelligence, training and a better route to market.
Become A Member of the CCN Today
To learn more about the CCN, our courses and resources, why not become a member today? With access to webinars, the latest news and communities centered on health, training, and GESI – among others – there's no better online place to convene on all things clean cooling and cold-chain.