Zero Waste Harvest Limited is a British company aiming to reduce post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables using solar energy, thereby improving the socio-economic status of marginalized farmers in Bangladesh and other LDC countries.
In developing countries, over 40% of fruits and vegetables are lost post-harvest, costing Bangladesh around $2 billion, severely impacting marginalized farmers and ultra-poor traders earning less than $5 per day. This loss equates to 16 million tons of food annually, enough to feed the entire population for three months. These farmers often sell at throwaway prices, leading to food unavailability and entrenching poverty due to their lack of bargaining power. The core issue is inadequate storage solutions. Solar cold storage can reduce these losses, enabling fair pricing and improving household income, food security, and nutrition. It also addresses environmental concerns, as wasted produce contributes to carbon emissions and greenhouse gases. Furthermore, it helps communities withstand climate shocks, ensuring resilience and enhancing livelihoods for vulnerable populations.