Lack of storage facilities and logistics hobble Nigeria's fruit business, causing significant losses and waste
Nigerian fruit farmers and wholesalers are suffering heavy losses due to lack of storage facilities and logistical bottlenecks.
In Brief
- •Nigerian fruit farmers and wholesalers are suffering heavy losses due to lack of storage facilities and logistical bottlenecks.
- •Rotten fruits litter markets, creating health issues and poor hygiene, with Ikosi-Ketu Fruit Market in Lagos generating 30 tonnes of waste daily.
- •Nigeria loses an estimated 30 to 40 million metric tonnes of food annually, with food waste and post-harvest losses contributing significantly to the country's solid waste challenge.
- •Food waste contributes up to 14 percent of global methane emissions and wastes valuable resources like land, water, and energy.
- •A biodigester plant launched in Ikosi Fruit Market aims to convert organic waste into energy, but needs to be replicated across other markets.
Why It Matters
The lack of proper storage facilities and logistical challenges in Nigeria's fruit business not only leads to significant economic losses but also contributes to environmental and humanitarian issues. The estimated annual food loss of 30 to 40 million metric tonnes results in economic losses of between N3.5 trillion and N5 trillion, while food waste contributes to climate change through methane emissions. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving food security, reducing waste, and supporting the livelihoods of farmers and traders.
Key Details
- Daily waste generated at Ikosi-Ketu Fruit Market
- 30 tonnes
- Percentage of waste that is organic food and fruit waste
- 90%
- Estimated annual food loss in Nigeria
- 30 to 40 million metric tonnes
- Estimated economic losses from annual food loss
- N3.5 trillion to N5 trillion
- Percentage of global methane emissions from food waste
- 14%
Context & Background
Nigeria faces significant challenges in its fruit business due to poor storage facilities and logistical bottlenecks. The country's solid waste management issues are exacerbated by food waste and post-harvest losses, which contribute to environmental and humanitarian crises.
Original Reporting & Sources
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