Assessment of the current cold chain potential of the Ugandan food system

The annual increase in the global population worldwide puts pressure on the food systems to avail enough food for all global citizens. Within the foods mostly consumed are those with a short life span, termed perishable produce that need special handling after harvest or slaughter. They include fish, meat, poultry, dairy products, eggs, fruit, and vegetables. These easily spoil and become unsafe for consumption if not kept at recommended refrigeration conditions long after harvest/slaughter. The handling of perishables under refrigerated conditions during transit, storage and display is termed cold chain handling. While cold chains are well developed in developed countries, most developing countries have minimally invested in cold chains and therefore contribute greatly to postharvest losses and waste of perishable produce globally and related costs on environment and climate. This research seeks to establish the cold chain capacity in the Ugandan food value chain and the related costs in terms of losses and waste where absent. The results of this study will guide policy and investment in this important aspect of the food system.