The Loss to Value (L2V) Project is a four-and-a-half-year initiative funded by Danida Green
Business Partnerships (DGBP). Launched in July 2023 and running until December 2027, the
project aims to reduce food loss and waste through sustainable cold storage solutions for
smallholder farmers (SHFs) and traders in Nakuru and Nyandarua counties, Kenya.
L2V focuses on key export crops, including vegetables, French beans, snow peas, and chilies.
By improving cold storage access, the project enhances produce quality, extends shelf life,
ensures food safety, and boosts access to international markets. The goal is to recover 66% of
the current 24% post-harvest loss, improving farmers’ livelihoods while reducing food waste.
Beyond Kenya, the project envisions expanding cold-chain infrastructure across East Africa,
contributing to food security, job creation, and climate-friendly business models. Ultimately, L2V
aims to make green cooling solutions more accessible and affordable for smallholder farmers,
fostering inclusivity and sustainability.
Implementation Status
L2V is a collaboration between DanChurchAid (DCA), the Fresh Produce Exporters Association
of Kenya (FPEAK), Danfoss, and InspiraFarms Cooling. Together, they are developing energy efficient, low-global-warming-potential (GWP) refrigeration solutions tailored for Kenya’s
agricultural sector. Given that horticulture contributes Ksh 150 billion annually and agriculture
accounts for 33% of Kenya’s GDP, tackling post-harvest losses presents a major opportunity for
commercial partners Danfoss and InspiraFarms.
The project aligns with Kenya’s agricultural priorities, stabilizing prices, promoting value addition, and reducing farmer losses. It also aligns with Denmark’s Strategic Framework for Kenya, supporting green business solutions.
Through flexible financing and loan options, L2V is making cold storage more accessible to 2,000
farmers, four trader associations, and ten commodity aggregators in Nakuru and Nyandarua
counties.
Key Findings
Since its launch, L2V has made significant progress in reducing post-harvest losses and
enhancing Kenya’s horticultural export potential. Notable achievements include:
- Improved cold storage: Adoption of energy-efficient refrigeration has enhanced postharvest
management, reducing losses in targeted value chains. - Increased market access: Training programs have equipped farmers, traders, and
aggregators with skills to extend produce shelf life, enabling them to meet export
standards. - Farmer and trader empowerment: Over 2,000 farmers, four trader associations, and ten
commodity aggregators have benefited from improved storage and marketing strategies
Despite its success, the project faces challenges, primarily low adoption rates due to the high cost
of cooling and storage facilities. Addressing this barrier will be key to maximizing L2V’s impact.