Research Article

OPTIMIZING THE SUPPLY CHAIN OF TOMATOES IN NIGERIA: CHALLENGES, SUSTAINABILITY, AND COLD CHAIN SOLUTIONS

Abdulrahman Muhammad Tanko1*, Muhammad Muhammad Tanko2
1 Department of Procurement and Supply Chain Management
2 Department Accounting, Kaduna State University
* Corresponding author: abdulrahmanmuhammadtanko@fmskasujournals.org.ng
Published: Jun, 2025
DOI: 10.68022/kjscm.2025.so1ib1pe
Pages: 55-68
Views: 23
Downloads: 6

Abstract

Tomatoes are generally, a staple in Nigerian diets and a crucial agricultural product, both in terms of consumption and a source of income, and Nigeria is one of the largest producers of tomatoes in Africa, producing approximately 2.3 million metric tons annually. However, post-harvest losses account for nearly 50% of total tomato production, impacting food security and economic sustainability. This is mainly due to the inefficiencies in the supply chain leading to significant post-harvest losses. The lack of a robust cold chain infrastructure exacerbates these losses, for example, Nigeria’s cold storage facilities are insufficient, with less than 1% of perishable goods transported under refrigerated conditions, making it difficult for farmers and distributors to maintain quality and reduce waste. Market and price volatility, where seasonal fluctuations in supply lead to unstable prices, with tomato prices rising by up to 300% during the off-season. Poor handling, lack of storage, and inadequate transportation infrastructure contribute to significant losses, estimated at 750,000 to 1.2 million metric tons annually. Furthermore, out of 160 countries, Nigeria is ranked as the 131st in the World Bank Logistics Performance Index, this clearly indicates the severe inefficiencies in the transportation and logistics matrix of the country. This paper therefore, explores the challenges in Nigeria’s tomato supply chain and presents sustainable cold chain solutions to enhance efficiency, minimize losses, and improve profitability for stakeholders. The paper explores the challenges in the Nigerian tomato supply chain and the role of sustainable cold chain solutions in reducing post-harvest losses. Using qualitative and quantitative data from industry reports, government policies, and case studies, the paper highlights innovative strategies, such as solar-powered refrigeration and blockchain traceability, to enhance efficiency and sustainability. Findings reveal systemic challenges such as weather dependence, limited access to technology, poor road networks, and consumer behavior that discourage preservation methods. It concludes that cold chain innovations can significantly improve food security, reduce waste, and boost profitability across Nigeria’s tomato value chain. The study advocates for integrated, sustainable interventions including infrastructure investment, policy support, and capacity building initiatives. These strategies when implemented, can significantly reduce tomato wastage, improve food security, and enhance economic growth in the agricultural sector.

Keywords

Supply Chain of Tomatoes Sustainability and Cold Chain Solutions.

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How to Cite

Tanko, A. M., & Tanko, M. M. (2025). OPTIMIZING THE SUPPLY CHAIN OF TOMATOES IN NIGERIA: CHALLENGES, SUSTAINABILITY, AND COLD CHAIN SOLUTIONS. KASU Journal of Supply Chain Management, 6(1), 55-68. https://doi.org/10.68022/kjscm.2025.so1ib1pe

A. M. Tanko, and M. M. Tanko, "OPTIMIZING THE SUPPLY CHAIN OF TOMATOES IN NIGERIA: CHALLENGES, SUSTAINABILITY, AND COLD CHAIN SOLUTIONS," KASU Journal of Supply Chain Management, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 55-68, June 2025. doi: 10.68022/kjscm.2025.so1ib1pe

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