10047987Cool MangoesClosedFeasibility StudiesInnovate UKThe Cool Mangoes project addresses the critical issue of cool storage of horticultural produces in Côte d'Ivoire. Mangoes make an important product which could be more efficiently used in the food chain, lowering wastes due to fruit flight attacks and the perishable nature of the production. Farmer Charlie (UK) and Cool Lions (Côte d'Ivoire) are partnering to develop an optimised digitally informed cooling solution for cooperatives. Containers will be available to cooperatives under a rent-to-own economically efficient model. In turn, cooperatives will then sell cooling capacity to farmers through a cost-effective, pay-as-you-store model. Our solution relies on solar panel energy, which is stable, and supports Côte d'Ivoire's goal of getting 42% electricity from renewable sources. On the digital front, containers are equipped with a remote door-lock system and sensors (e.g., temperature) to ensure the efficient use of the cooling facility and the best preservation of the produces. Sensors will also be used to measure external temperature and provide a way for "just-in-time" cool storage, which will provide further opportunities for farmers to sell their produces at the best price, later, while lowering the 20-40% post-harvest wastes. This translates in a CO2 emission reduction too. The "Cool Mangoes" project will demonstrate the benefits of cool storage through an on-site test in a Northern rural town of Côte d'Ivoire, central to mango production, involving a community of 400 farmers. Smallholder mango farmers will be able to preserve their produce, extending the shelf life of mangoes and other horticultural products (e.g., pineapples, fruits, and vegetables) by several weeks. The project will validate our innovative cooling-as-a-service solution and serve as a visitor centre for other cooperative leaders to secure additional deployments and scale our presence. An effort will be made to monitor and ensure equality, diversity, and inclusion, especially of women farmers and youth. We will also devise plan for net zero, sustainability and monitoring and evaluation of the success of the project. The communities will benefit not only through income increase, but also through the availability of vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables over a longer period of time, contributing to bettering of the local population health.