Publication - Enhancing Kenyan Fisheries: Off-Grid Solar Cooling for Sustainable Livelihoods

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Title

Enhancing Kenyan Fisheries: Off-Grid Solar Cooling for Sustainable Livelihoods

Publisher

Efficiency for Access

Author

Efficiency for Access

Published in

August 2025

Abstract

Fishing communities around Lake Turkana in northern Kenya face a growing challenge: keeping fish fresh in extreme heat, without access to electricity. Without cold storage, much of the catch spoils before it can be sold, leading to lost income, wasted food, and limited opportunities for local people.

With support from the Efficiency for Access Research and Development Fund, Adili Solar Hubs has built a solar-powered cold chain hub on the remote island of Long’ech. This innovative facility helps to store, process and transport fresh fish using clean energy, reducing post-harvest losses, increasing incomes by up to five times, and strengthening climate resilience in one of Kenya’s most underserved regions.

The hub also provides clean water to the local community and supports sustainable fishing practices. It’s a powerful example of how early-stage investment in inclusive energy innovation can unlock long-term social, environmental, and economic benefits.

This case study explores the challenges faced by fishing communities in off-grid areas, and how Adili’s approach is helping to build a more resilient and sustainable fish value chain. It also highlights lessons learned, the role of solar-powered appliances, and the potential for scaling similar solutions in other regions.

URL

link to the document

Admin:
No

PIE Grant (Grid Portal)?
No

No

• Solar

• Off-grid

• Other