TRAPCA | ESAMI | Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) | East Africa Community(EAC)
24
Oct

Cross-Border Logistics & Cold Chain Solutions for Agroecological Produce

October 24, 2025
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Planning efficient and safe transport; group/cooperative logistics; using OSBPs to reduce delays; affordable cold chain (solar hubs, refrigerated trucks); and digital logistics tools.

Planning efficient and safe transport; group/cooperative logistics; using OSBPs to reduce delays; affordable cold chain (solar hubs, refrigerated trucks); and digital logistics tools.

Why Logistics & Cold Chain Matter for Agroecological Trade

  • Post-harvest losses in Africa are very high — FAO estimates 30–50% of fruits and vegetables are lost due to poor transport and storage.
  • Agroecological produce is often fresh, perishable, and chemical-free, making it more sensitive to heat, pests, and rough handling.
  • Delays at borders, bad roads, and a lack of cold storage cut shelf life and prices.
  • Better planning, group logistics, and affordable cold chain solutions can increase profits, meet SPS/quality standards, and reduce food waste.

TradeMark Africa (2023) reports that coordinated logistics can cut agro-produce losses by up to 40% while reducing transport costs by 20%.

Understanding the Logistics Chain

Stage

Key Actions

Tips

Harvest & Packing

Sorting, cleaning, and primary packaging

Harvest early morning; avoid bruising

Collection/Storage

Temporary holding before transport

Use shaded, ventilated sheds; avoid piling

Transport to the Border

Trucks, vans, motorcycles

Consolidate loads via cooperatives

Border Crossing

Customs & SPS clearance

Prepare docs early; choose OSBP routes

In-market Delivery

Wholesale, markets, buyers

Plan timing to meet market demand

Transport Options for Small Traders

A. Shared & Cooperative Transport

  • Traders form cooperatives or SACCOS to hire trucks or vans jointly.
  • Shared costs → lower per-trader expense.
  • Enables better bargaining for safe and timely delivery.

B. Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Services

  • Providers like Bolloré Africa Logistics, DHL Agri, and
    Lori Systems offer cross-border logistics solutions.
  • Useful for larger loads or high-value produce.

C. Public Bus/Van Networks

  • Cheaper transport option but high spoilage risk if there’s no ventilation or cooling.
  • Only viable for small, durable goods such as dry grains.

D. Alternative Routes

  • Rail corridors: Cheaper but slower — e.g., Dar es Salaam–Mwanza–Kigali.
  • Lake transport: Ideal for bulk grains or fish in areas like Lake Victoria.

Cold Chain Basics

  • Cold chain = continuous refrigeration from harvest to consumer.
  • Key for fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, and fish.

Cold Chain Types:

  • Passive: insulated boxes, coolers with ice packs (low cost).
  • Active: refrigerated trucks, solar-powered cold rooms.
  • Cold hubs: pay-per-use shared cold storage near farms/borders.

Innovative Solutions:

Managing Border Delays for Perishables

  • Choose One Stop Border Posts (OSBPs):
    • Busia (Kenya–Uganda), Namanga (Kenya–Tanzania), Rusumo (Tanzania–Rwanda).
    • Faster clearance if documents are ready.
  • Pre-clear goods electronically where possible (eCoO, e-SPS).
  • Use risk-based lanes: compliant traders may get green lane clearance.
  • Travel during the day: more supervisors, less harassment.

Packaging & Handling for Quality Retention

Good Practice

Benefit

Use ventilated plastic crates (instead of sacks)

Prevents crushing, improves airflow

Line boxes with paper or leaves

Absorbs moisture

Stack carefully

Avoids bruising

Use labels

Lot, harvest date, and producer info help with traceability

Pre-cool before transport

Extends shelf life

Tip: Many cooperatives now invest in reusable crates that last 5+ years.

Digital Tools for Smarter Logistics

Tool

Function

Link

Hello Tractor

Tractor & haulage booking

https://www.hellotractor.com

TruckersKE

Truck rental & cost calculator

https://www.truckerskenya.co.ke

Lori Systems

Freight marketplace for Africa

https://lori.systems

ColdHubs

Solar cold storage

https://www.coldhubs.com

Shipafreight

Freight cost estimation

https://www.shipafreight.com/freight-calculator

EAC-ATKH (coming soon)

Logistics & cold chain marketplace

(AFSA/trapca platform)

Financing Affordable Logistics & Cold Chain

  • SACCOS/Cooperatives: pool funds to hire trucks/cold rooms.
  • Microfinance: e.g., Musoni Microfinance https://musoni.co.ke.
  • Pay-per-use cold storage: ColdHubs, InspiraFarms https://www.inspirafarms.com.
  • Warehouse Receipt Systems: get financing while goods are stored safely.
  • Donor/NGO support: TMA Green Corridors, AfDB AFAWA logistics loans.

Quick Pre-Trip Logistics Checklist

✅

Item

Book truck/van early; confirm refrigeration if needed.

  

Check OSBP route & opening hours.

  

Prepare SPS, CoO/SCO docs & pre-clear where possible.

  

Pack in ventilated crates & label clearly.

  

Share transport costs with other traders

  

Carry NTB hotlines: https://www.tradebarriers.org.

  

Use mobile money to pay border fees safely.

  

Key References & Links

 

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