Title: Effectiveness of a solar-powered walk-in cold room in extending shelf-life of fruits: a case of mangoes and tomatoes in Uganda

Authors: Jacqueline J. Acaa; Archileo N. Kaaya; Robert Mugabi; Sylvia Birabwa Namazzi; Hadijah R. Nantambi

Addresses: Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda ' Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda ' Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda ' Ecolife Companies Limited, P.O. Box 2539, Kampala, Uganda ' Ecolife Companies Limited, P.O. Box 2539, Kampala, Uganda

Abstract: Post-harvest losses (PHLs) undermine the achievement of food and nutrition security goals. PHLs stem from limitations like poor practices during harvesting and transport, and inadequate cold storage. Inadequate cold storage is due to inaccessible and unreliable electricity, coupled with high establishment and maintenance costs. A solar-powered walk-in-cold room (WIC) is an innovation which overcomes the main challenges associated with cold storage infrastructure. This study assessed a WIC's performance in extending the shelf life of mangoes and tomatoes in Uganda. The study found that the WIC maintained stable temperature and relative humidity both day and night (average temperature of 7.2°C/7.3°C and relative humidity of 74.6%/76.9%). The WIC preserved colour, firmness, and moisture content; 24 days (mangoes) compared to 12 days under ambient conditions. Physical damage (shrivelling, softening, decaying and discoloration) was observed later in storage in the WIC. The WIC's comparative advantage was evident in the first 6-9 days of storage.

Keywords: cold room; solar power; post-harvest loss; fruits.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPTI.2024.144954

International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation, 2024 Vol.9 No.4, pp.305 - 327

Received: 31 Jan 2024
Accepted: 13 Oct 2024
Published online: 13 Mar 2025 *

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