Preserving hibiscus harvests: the role of precooling and community cooling hubs in central and eastern Uganda

Mary Najjuma; Alan Foster; Graeme Maidment; Catarina  Marques; Robin Campbell; Judith Evans

Preserving hibiscus harvests: the role of precooling and community cooling hubs in central and eastern Uganda

Mary Najjuma, Alan Foster, Graeme Maidment, Catarina Marques, Robin Campbell, Judith Evans

Mechanical Engineering and Design

Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › peer-review

Abstract

This study addresses the significant post-harvest losses in hibiscus farming in Uganda's Central and Eastern regions, impacting the local economy and culture. Research involving 200 farmers shows losses of 10% to 50%, particularly during the wet season due to poor storage and drying facilities. To combat this, the study proposed a three-pronged approach: ensuring gentle handling during harvest, implementing precooling techniques at the farmgate, and establishing community cooling hubs. Precooling is crucial for maintaining post-harvest quality by rapidly reducing temperatures, while community cooling hubs would offer centralized cooling and storage, mitigating losses and opening new market opportunities. This comprehensive strategy also aims to enhance agricultural practices through training, capacity building, and community collaboration,
promoting a resilient and thriving farming community.

Original language	English
Publication status	Published - 11 Jun 2024
Event	8th IIR International Conference on Sustainability and the Cold Chain - Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan Duration: 9 Jun 2024 → 11 Jun 2024 https://iifiir.org/en/events/8th-iir-conference-on-sustainability-and-the-cold-chain

Conference

Conference	8th IIR International Conference on Sustainability and the Cold Chain
Country/Territory	Japan
City	Tokyo
Period	9/06/24 → 11/06/24
Other	Scheduled to take place on June 9-11, 2024, at Waseda University in Tokyo (Japan), the 8th IIR Conference on Sustainability and the Cold Chain (ICCC 2024) will provide a unique opportunity for experts to exchange on important topical subjects such as decarbonising the grid, sustainable food and cold chains, reducing energy use, and utilising heat recovery, among others, as part of the solution to the challenges facing the industry.
Internet address	https://iifiir.org/en/events/8th-iir-conference-on-sustainability-and-the-cold-chain

Keywords

Hibiscus, post-harvest losses, precooling, cooling hubs, rural farming communities

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Access to Document

【FIN】Conference_Paper_IIR Conference_ICCC2024_MN1053_FinAccepted author manuscript, 444 KBLicence: CC BY 4.0

Cite this

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AU - Evans, Judith

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AB - This study addresses the significant post-harvest losses in hibiscus farming in Uganda's Central and Eastern regions, impacting the local economy and culture. Research involving 200 farmers shows losses of 10% to 50%, particularly during the wet season due to poor storage and drying facilities. To combat this, the study proposed a three-pronged approach: ensuring gentle handling during harvest, implementing precooling techniques at the farmgate, and establishing community cooling hubs. Precooling is crucial for maintaining post-harvest quality by rapidly reducing temperatures, while community cooling hubs would offer centralized cooling and storage, mitigating losses and opening new market opportunities. This comprehensive strategy also aims to enhance agricultural practices through training, capacity building, and community collaboration, promoting a resilient and thriving farming community.

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ER -

Preserving hibiscus harvests: the role of precooling and community cooling hubs in central and eastern Uganda

Abstract

Conference

Keywords

UN SDGs

Access to Document

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Cite this