Nigeria has introduced a new technology-focused initiative aimed at reducing food spoilage and improving food security through the use of blockchain and climate-smart infrastructure. The project, launched by Community Action for Food Security Africa (CAFS) in partnership with the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), focuses on deploying blockchain-powered solar dryers to tackle post-harvest losses affecting agricultural communities across the country.
The initiative, known as the Incorporation of Blockchain Technology to Access Climate-Smart Solar Dryers project, received support from the United Nations Development Programme under its Tadamon Accelerator for Food Security program. The effort is expected to address longstanding weaknesses in Nigeria’s food supply chain, particularly the heavy losses recorded after harvest due to poor preservation and storage systems.
Officials involved in the launch indicated that post-harvest losses have become a growing threat to national food security, rural livelihoods, and agricultural productivity. Executive Director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Lateef Sanni, explained that Nigeria has continued to experience severe losses in perishable agricultural produce because of inadequate storage facilities, weak processing infrastructure, and limited access to modern preservation technologies.
According to the institute, annual losses affecting fruits, vegetables, and other perishable products range between 30 percent and 50 percent. The agency stated that these challenges have disproportionately impacted smallholder farmers, women involved in food processing, and rural communities that depend heavily on agriculture for income generation and food supply.
Climate-Smart Solar Dryers to Improve Preservation
The project combines blockchain technology with solar-powered food dryers to create a transparent and climate-friendly food preservation system aimed at reducing post-harvest agricultural losses across Nigeria.
Founder of CAFS Africa, Azeez Salawu, explained that the initiative integrates clean energy infrastructure with blockchain systems to improve transparency, accountability, and equitable access to preservation services. He indicated that the solar-powered dryers would offer farmers and food processors a cleaner and more sustainable way to preserve agricultural produce while minimizing dependence on traditional fuel-based drying methods.
The blockchain component is expected to monitor equipment usage, track operational data, and improve accountability within the system. Project leaders suggested that the technology would also support fair access to preservation resources and strengthen long-term sustainability within agricultural communities.
The blockchain system is designed to monitor dryer usage, improve accountability, and support equitable access to food preservation infrastructure for farmers and rural processors.
Project Training and Deployment Expert Michael Omodara stated that the technology could significantly improve food quality while reducing contamination risks and extending product shelf life. He explained that better preservation systems would allow farmers to store produce for longer periods, potentially increasing market opportunities and reducing the financial impact of spoilage.
Training Programs to Support Rural Communities
Beyond infrastructure deployment, the initiative also places strong emphasis on capacity building and technical education. Organizers revealed that farmers, women processors, and young people would receive training to operate and maintain the solar drying systems. Some participants are also expected to serve as technicians and digital facilitators within their local communities.
Supporters of the initiative believe the project could contribute to stronger climate-resilient food systems while improving economic outcomes for agricultural producers. By reducing food waste and extending the shelf life of produce, the program is expected to help farmers access wider markets and generate more stable incomes.
The initiative also includes training programs for farmers, women processors, and youths to create local technical expertise while strengthening climate-resilient agricultural systems.
The collaboration reflects Nigeria’s growing interest in applying emerging technologies such as blockchain and renewable energy to address structural challenges in agriculture and food distribution. With post-harvest losses continuing to affect national food supply chains, the project is expected to serve as a model for integrating digital innovation into sustainable agricultural development.
