A new article by the Clean Cooling Network highlights the impressive impact of the SPOKE programme in Kenya, which is delivering a 50% increase in return for local farmers. This is made possible through a combination of sustainable cold chain infrastructure, solar-powered cooling technologies, and tailored training in post-harvest handling and marketing.
© Pierre Depont / Clean Cooling Network — Farmers loading cabbage into the solar-powered Cold Room (reproduced from the Clean Cooling Network)
The SPOKE programme (Specialised Outreach and Knowledge Establishment) is part of the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold-chain (ACES), a collaborative effort led by UNEP U4E in partnership with the University of Birmingham through the Centre for Sustainable Cooling, the Government of Rwanda, and Rwandan academic partners.
Located just outside Nairobi, the demonstration hub connects over 300 farmers to climate-friendly cold chain services, helping to reduce post-harvest food loss, cut emissions, and improve livelihoods. Many of the women involved in the initiative report that they are now earning more from selling fewer crops, thanks to the improved quality and shelf-life enabled by cold storage. Training and mentorship are also provided to equip farmers with the necessary tools to operate the technology and expand their market access.
The SPOKE model is being developed for replication and scale-up across Kenya and other regions, contributing to the country’s climate and development goals. UNEP-U4E’s support for the programme aligns with broader efforts to promote energy-efficient, climate-friendly cooling solutions under the Kigali Amendment, SDG 7, and the UNEP Cool Coalition.
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