Namibian vegetable farm invests in post-harvest cooling and storage to cut losses

Okarui City Fresh Produce, a vegetable farm in the Otjombinde constituency of Namibia's Omaheke region, is investing in additional storage and cooling infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses and support more consistent market supply.

Founded by Kahitee Keeja, the farm grows potatoes, butternut, cabbage, carrots, gem squash, onions, pumpkin, and beetroot. Keeja explained that the diversified crop mix is designed to spread risks related to weather, seasonal cycles, and shifts in market demand, allowing the farm to serve a broader customer base rather than depend on a single crop.

The operation started on a small scale, with access to land, capital, and equipment among the main early constraints. Keeja has since used grants, business development programs, partnerships, and other funding options to develop the farm, while reinvesting earnings back into the operation. The business currently employs four full-time workers, supplemented by casual labour during peak periods.

Looking ahead, Keeja sees opportunities in supplying vegetables for which local availability does not meet year-round market demand, and the farm is working to increase cultivation capacity and grow its customer base. A parallel investment focus is post-harvest handling: plans include additional storage and cooling infrastructure aimed at protecting produce quality, reducing losses, and improving the farm's ability to supply customers consistently. Keeja added that one of the constraints the farm is currently addressing is post-harvest handling and storage, and that investing in appropriate storage and cooling infrastructure will help protect the quality of the produce, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve the ability to supply customers consistently.