A Nigeria-based SME – NaFarm Foods, has developed hybrid solar food dryers aimed at reducing post-harvest losses, preventing food spoilage, cutting carbon emissions, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices across Nigeria.
This groundbreaking technology is changing lives, particularly, in remote and underserved areas. More than 80 communities in six Nigerian states have benefited from these solar food dryers, which have a capacity of 500kg per unit and maintain the nutritional quality of food while minimising energy costs. The dryers combine solar heat with electricity generated from solar panels, ensuring effective drying during all weather conditions, including rainy days.
This move was promoted by the lingering challenge of post-harvest losses. According to a media report, Nigeria’s annual post-harvest losses are estimated at US $2.1b, a figure that exceeds the country’s five-year agricultural budget and contributes to both food insecurity and economic losses.
These losses disproportionately affect farmers and the economy, with women and children being the most impacted by food shortages. With this innovation, the management of NaFarm Foods said it aims to make a global impact, noting that it has already reaped the expected dividends, as evidenced by its recognition and the impressive US $1m award it received earlier this year from Zayed Sustainability Prize.
The global award, which reflects the UAE’s commitment to ensuring a progressive and sustainability-driven world, has given rise to a forward-thinking cadre of innovators and entrepreneurs who are creating significant impacts across the world.
Established 17 years ago, the Zayed Sustainability Prize honours the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the United Arab Emirates. This prestigious award honours and empowers those who are driving transformative change across the categories of Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools.
Since its inception, through its 128 winners, the Prize has positively impacted over 400 million lives worldwide. The Zayed Sustainability Prize offers SMEs, non-profit organisations and high schools across the continent an opportunity to leverage their work to uplift their communities at a greater scale.
