Post-harvest losses (PHLs) remain a critical challenge in Zambia’s fisheries sector, particularly for small-scale fishers and traders operating in remote and rural areas with limited access to cold storage and transportation facilities. It is estimated that approximately 10% to 70% losses are being experienced in certain regions of Zambia, depending on factors such as infrastructure availability, and preservation methods. These losses not only undermine food security but also limit income potential and market access for fish value chain actors. In response to this challenge, the Africa Women Fish Network (Aw-Fishnet) Zambian Chapter, through support from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), was awarded a refrigerated truck under the Programme for Improving Fisheries Governance and Blue Economy (PROFISHBLUE) project to pilot a practical solution aimed at mitigating these losses. This intervention aims to enhance cold chain logistics and significantly reduce PHLs during fish transportation from landing sites to markets.
This presentation will explore the effectiveness of the refrigerated truck in reducing spoilage, improving fish quality, and increasing profitability among women and youth fish traders. It will also highlight the broader implications of such innovations on sustainable fisheries development and regional trade. It reinforces the importance of regional cooperation and funding mechanisms like PROFISHBLUE in accelerating sustainable blue economy initiatives in Africa. The study also underscores the importance of targeted investments in infrastructure and logistics for transforming Africa’s aquatic food systems.
Keywords: Post-harvest losses, cold chain, PROFISHBLUE, refrigerated truck, Aw-Fishnet, SADC, AfDB.