BASF West Africa invests in the development of Cold Chain Infrastructure in West Africa.

• BASF West Africa partners with GAIN, Nigeria, to finding sustainable solutions to reduce agricultural post-harvest losses.

• BASF demonstrates its commitment to the development of Cold Chain Infrastructure to enhance food security in West Africa.

BASF, the world’s leading chemical company, has demonstrated its commitment towards solving the perenial challenge of agricultural post harvest losses by partnering with Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, GAIN, towards its Cold Chain Mapping Project currently underway in Nigeria.

This study aims to identify the current cold storage capacity of Nigeria in both frozen and ambient temperature segments. The mapping outcomes will provide information that can be utilized to stimulate private sector investments for infrastructure and much needed financial services, as well as education and public awareness of the status of the sector. The results will inform the cold chain stakeholders’ dialogue and coordination necessary for effective cold chain development.

The absence of reliable data and lack of adequate cold chain facilities in sub-Saharan Africa is one of the main causes of perishable product losses, which are estimated to be about 25–30 percent for animal products and 40–50 percent for roots, tubers, fruits and vegetables (FAO, 2011). It is against this backdrop that the Cold Chain Project was commissioned in Nigeria to explore ways to improve the sector and reduce post-harvest losses and contribute to food security in the agricultural value chain.

“Within the Cold Chain, BASF, as the leading provider of polyurethane insulation solutions globally for more than 150 years, is the right partner to help develop the Cold Chain of Nigeria. Our three innovative and energy-efficient polyurethane insulation materials for the cold chain include: Elastocool® for freezers, Elastopir® for refrigerated warehouses and Elastopor® for freezer chests and truck trailers have contributed to food preservation globally. As an organization that invests in Research and Development, we will continue to challenge conventional packaging for a sustainable future”, said the Managing Director of BASF West Africa, Dr. Jean-Marc Ricca.

According to Dr. Augustine Okoruwa, Senior Project Manager for Post-Harvest Loss Alliance for improved Nutrition (PLAN), “with its strong focus on innovation and successes recorded in the development of sustainable solutions in the cold chain storage value chain, BASF is a veritable partner in this journey of identifying and bridging the existing wide gap in the Cold Chain in West Africa”.

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