Towards the implementation of a sustainable cold chain for the livestock value chain in Bangladesh

The cold chain is essential for food quality and safety. Good management of the postharvest cold chain can reduce food losses. The International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) estimated that the lack of a cold chain causes significant global food losses of up to 20% of the global food supply (IIR, 2009). Besides economic and health considerations, the environmental sustainability of the food cold supply chain should be considered to prevent further increases in emissions that could potentially increase global warming. This paper presents an assessment of the livestock cold chain related gaps in Bangladesh which is one of the initiative within the World Bank LDDP (Livestock and Dairy Development Project) project (LDDP, P161246). Information on technological and non-technological issues which can be tackled are presented. Practical recommendations to develop the cold chain in Bangladesh for milk and meat are provided.