Said Mohamed, a member of the Qaw Cooperative in Qaw village under Bosaso district, shares how the newly established cold storage facility is addressing one of the cooperative’s most critical challenges; post-harvest losses and limited access to markets.
Before the facility was available, farmers often had no option but to leave their vegetables in the fields when market prices fell or when the road to Bosaso market was temporarily inaccessible. Without proper storage, fresh produce could spoil within just a few days, resulting in significant losses for farmers and their families.
The cold storage facility has changed this situation. Farmers can now safely preserve their vegetables for several days, giving them greater flexibility to wait for improved market conditions or temporary road closures to be resolved before transporting their produce to market.
This is particularly important during the rainy season, when road access can become difficult. By extending the shelf life of harvested vegetables, the facility helps farmers reduce waste, protect the value of their produce, and strengthen their livelihoods.
Supported by SEDO and WFP, the investment represents more than a physical storage facility it provides farmers with a practical solution to one of the key barriers affecting agricultural income and food-system efficiency.
For the Qaw Cooperative, the project has left behind an asset that will continue serving farmers beyond the project period, helping them preserve their harvest, respond to market challenges, and make better decisions about when and where to sell their produce.
The project may be completed, but its impact continues through the infrastructure, opportunities, and improved resilience now available to the farming community.
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