We are happy to announce that Savanna Circuit Technologies is a recipient of the grant of the recent Agritech Call by The Efficiency for Access Research and Development Fund. The grant is a major milestone in our mission to provide accessible, energy-efficient cooling inclusive and unbiased system solutions for agricultural value chains across Sub-Sahara Africa.
A recent in-house survey in partnership with Efficiency for Access conducted among fish farmers at Dunga Beach in the Lake Victoria region revealed that in many b
usinesses there is an absence of proper infrastructure relying on traditional methods for fish preservation.
This funding will help in the support further development to Solar Thrive [ Sustainable Operations, Livelihoods, and Agricultural Resilience Through Harnessing Innovative Value-addition Endeavor]. Our solar-powered Solar Thrive will significantly decrease the reliance on the methods already in use that involve using disposable woven baskets lined with polythene, where a combination of fish and ice is added to maintain freshness. The inefficiency of this cooling system contributes to higher operating costs, which is a major concern for businesses already operating with thin profit margins.
The Solar Thrive coupled with a centralized ice-water dispensing unit, is an inclusive and unbiased game-changer for small-scale fish vendors. The adverse effects of inadequate systems of infrastructure cut across and impact men and women, and a notable gender gap is felt in the industry. Women in post-harvest activities are left more vulnerable to exploitation at an economic disadvantage. Understanding that the disparity doesn’t stem from inherent differences between men and women but rather from the cultural norms that disproportionately impact women.
According to the Gender Responsive Cooling: Using Data to Build Resilient Livelihoods June 2023 report, women represented on average, 36.7% of all agricultural workers in 2019, and in many African countries, this figure can be as high as 50%. This indicates a significant involvement of women in post-harvest activities, which are crucial for ensuring agricultural outputs and yields.
“Women make up 23% of the workforce in solar lighting and appliance companies, indicating that the field is heavily male-dominated. This trend reflects a broader pattern in the energy sector, where women constitute just 22% of the total workforce.”
Therefore, the need is not for a gender-focused system but for an inclusive and unbiased system that addresses these disparities head-on. Savanna Circuit at the core is committed to addressing the challenges faced by women in the cold chain systems, particularly in agricultural value chains.
Our solar-powered cooling technology is designed to reduce food losses and improve livelihoods for smallholder farmers, especially women, who are often marginalized in cold chain systems. Aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Gender Equality, we aim to create a more inclusive and equitable system for women fish farmers and other stakeholders in innovation and implementation.
Our solar-powered Solar Thrive will help reduce post-harvest losses, enabling women fish traders to preserve their products for longer, access markets more effectively, and increase their income. By integrating these gender-responsive interventions, Savanna Circuit is directly contributing to SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Our solar-powered cooling solutions not only enhance food security but also promote economic empowerment and equitable access to resources for women in agriculture, especially in fish farming. Together, we can create a future where both men and women benefit equally from sustainable, energy-efficient innovations.
