UK-funded programme boosts rural livestock vaccine access with solar cold chain innovation
UK-funded programme boosts rural livestock vaccine access with solar cold chain innovation
The UK-funded Propcom+ initiative has launched solar-powered cold chain systems to improve livestock vaccine access in Nigeria’s rural communities. The programme, which also supports crops like rice, maize, and sorghum, aims to reduce livestock disease losses by ensuring vaccines remain potent in hard-to-reach areas. A pilot project over six to twelve months tested solar refrigerators in off-grid locations, identifying weaknesses in the existing cold chain and demonstrating that solar units are reliable, cost-effective, and capable of expanding agrovet businesses’ reach.
Findings showed that smallholder farmers gained better access to effective vaccines, helping address Nigeria’s estimated $9 billion annual livestock disease burden. The pilot involved 42 agrovets, indicated short breakeven periods, and confirmed the financial and technological viability of scaling the solution nationally. Experts highlighted that solar-powered units experience fewer mechanical failures than traditional refrigerators, which often struggle with unstable electricity. By combining development and commercial financing options, Propcom+ aims to expand adoption, improving herd protection and creating new business opportunities for agrovet operators across rural Nigeria.
