Community Action for Food Security, Africa (CAFS) and the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) have unveiled a new initiative titled “Incorporation of Blockchain Technology to Access Climate-Smart Solar Dryers” to reduce post-harvest losses in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
The project is supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Tadamon Accelerator for Food Security initiative and is designed to address major challenges affecting food preservation and supply systems in the country.
Speaking at the unveiling, the Executive Director of NSPRI, Prof. Lateef Sanni, stressed the need for urgent deployment of innovative solutions in post-harvest management to strengthen food security and improve rural livelihoods.
According to him, poor storage systems, inefficient processing methods and limited access to preservation technologies continue to contribute to massive food losses across Nigeria.
“Nigeria continues to face significant post-harvest losses. It is estimated that 30 per cent to 50 per cent of perishable agricultural produce is lost annually due to inadequate storage, inefficient processing systems and limited access to preservation technologies. These losses disproportionately affect smallholder farmers, women processors and rural communities, contributing to reduced incomes, food insecurity and economic inefficiencies,’’ he said.
The initiative introduces climate-smart solar-powered dryers designed to preserve agricultural produce more cleanly and efficiently while reducing dependence on traditional drying methods that expose food to contamination and spoilage.
Founder of CAFS Africa, Mr Azeez Salawu, said the project combines renewable energy technology with blockchain systems to improve transparency and access to shared agricultural infrastructure.
“By integrating solar-powered dryers with blockchain technology, we are not only reducing food losses but also ensuring transparency, equitable access and long-term sustainability.
“The initiative introduces solar-powered dryers as a clean, efficient and climate-resilient method of preserving agricultural produce and a blockchain-enabled platform to track usage, promote transparency and democratise access to shared infrastructure,’’ he said.
The agricultural technology initiative is also expected to support farmers by improving product quality, extending shelf life and increasing access to better markets for processed produce.
Dr Michael Omodara, Project Training and Deployment Expert, explained that the blockchain system would allow real-time monitoring of the dryers while improving accountability and operational efficiency.
He said the technology-driven approach would help build more resilient food systems capable of supporting long-term agricultural sustainability.
According to him, the project also focuses heavily on inclusion and capacity development by targeting smallholder farmers, women involved in food processing and young people who will serve as technicians and digital facilitators.
“The solar dryers would improve product quality, reduce contamination and extend shelf life, while the blockchain system will enable real-time monitoring and accountability,” he said.
