Innovative solutions for fragile communities: WFP accelerator team visits IITA Yola

12 December 2024

The IITA Yola office recently hosted a delegation from the World Food Programme (WFP) Innovation Accelerator for a field visit under the Fragility, Conflict, and Migration Innovation (FCMI) Accelerator program. The visit, from 18 to 22 November 2024, marked the second engagement of the WFP team in Nigeria. The first interaction occurred during a Boot Camp held in July 2024 to orient partners and stakeholders on the program's objectives and prepare beneficiaries for the journey ahead.

The FCMI Accelerator collaborates with the WFP Innovation Accelerator and CGIAR centers, including IITA and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). This program leverages expertise and resources to promote innovative solutions in fragile and conflict-affected (FCA) settings, with the overarching goal of achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger. The initiative also supports SDG1 (No Poverty), SDG5 (Gender Equality), SDG13 (Climate Action), and SDG17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

During the field visit, the team assessed the deployment and impact of Koolboks' solar-powered refrigeration systems in Northeast Nigeria. This innovative technology, piloted in Adamawa and Borno states for the Northeast market, aims to improve food preservation and storage capacities in vulnerable communities. Targeting critical locations such as public abattoirs, markets, and restaurants in Jimeta and Yola, the intervention addresses longstanding challenges posed by unreliable electricity, economic constraints, and frequent power outages.

The delegation included Zehui Qiu from the WFP and Babatunde Ogunseye from Koolboks Limited, the innovators behind the solar refrigeration solution. Representing IITA were Quadri Shakiru, FCMI Focal Point Coordinator; Isaac Twalbwam Philip, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer; and Sini Ndazhea Luwa of the FCMI program. The visit culminated in a comprehensive evaluation of the market readiness and acceptance of the Koolboks technology, designed to address the critical challenge of food preservation in fragile and conflict-affected regions.

Solar-powered refrigeration systems is coming at a crucial time for Northeast Nigeria, a region grappling with frequent power outages, rising electricity tariffs, increased fuel costs, and heightened vulnerability during the dry season when food preservation needs are at the peak.

By ensuring reliable cold storage, the systems provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution that reduces post-harvest losses, enhances food security, and supports local economic activities, particularly among small and medium enterprises. The IITA Yola team and its partners highlighted the potential of these systems in improving the livelihoods of vulnerable populations. Extensive field evaluations in Jimeta and Yola received overwhelmingly positive feedback from end-users and stakeholders, underscoring the impact of the intervention.

The team reviewed findings following the field visit and strategized the next steps. Koolboks Limited was tasked with developing a strategy to meet the anticipated surge in demand for its refrigeration systems while ensuring consistent supply and deployment. Plans were also outlined to enhance community awareness and engagement, maximizing the adoption of the technology.

Additionally, discussions emphasized the need for a long-term sustainability framework to support the scaling of the intervention across other fragile and conflict-affected regions.

Introducing solar-powered refrigeration in Northeast Nigeria also offers broader implications beyond the region. As a scalable solution, it serves as a model for addressing similar challenges in other global FCA settings. Recommendations from the visit include:

• Expanding the deployment of refrigeration systems to additional locations,
• Encouraging community-led models through cooperatives and networks and
• Strengthening monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track impact and identify areas for improvement.
• Capacity-building efforts, such as end-user training sessions, will further ensure the systems' efficiency and longevity.

The WFP team's second visit to Nigeria emphasizes the progress and potential of the FCMI Accelerator program in driving impactful innovation for sustainable development. The engagement at the IITA Yola office also demonstrated the significant strides made in addressing food preservation challenges in Northeast Nigeria. It reveals immense opportunities for scaling the initiative to achieve broader impacts.

IITA remains at the forefront of fostering resilient and sustainable food systems, leveraging its expertise and partnerships to address pressing global challenges. Through initiatives like the FCMI Accelerator program, IITA reaffirms its commitment to advancing innovative solutions for the most vulnerable communities, ensuring no one is left behind in pursuing sustainable development.

Contributed by Olorunfemi Adedeji

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