By Abdullahi Lukman
Egyptian women, who make up the majority of the workforce in Egypt’s fish retailing sector, face significant challenges due to climate change, particularly rising temperatures.
Without proper refrigeration or improved processing techniques, these women are often forced to sell their products before noon to avoid spoilage, risking daily profits if they fail to do so.
To tackle these challenges, the Center for Renewable Energy in Aquaculture (CeREA) project, funded by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Cairo, has introduced a groundbreaking solution: a portable solar-powered cooler designed specifically for women in the fish retailing industry.
The cooler, which integrates a photovoltaic solar panel, inverter, battery, digital balancer, and an oxygen pump for live fish transport, provides a reliable cold chain solution.
This innovation was developed based on feedback from women in the sector, gathered through a baseline study to ensure its suitability and effectiveness.
In 2024, the CeREA project, in partnership with Norway and WorldFish, conducted research focusing on the barriers faced by women in Egypt’s aquaculture retail sector.
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The study, which targeted fish retailers in key governorates like Kafr El Sheikh, Sharqia, and Fayoum, revealed that inadequate transportation and market facilities, as well as the lack of cold chain solutions, were the primary obstacles to business growth and sustainability for these women.
To address these concerns, the CeREA project has prepared three pilot models of the solar-powered cooler, with plans to distribute them to women’s groups in Shakshouk village, Fayoum.
The portable cooler, which is essential for women who travel between local markets, is designed to cater to the cultural preference for fresh, live fish.
With features that support both live fish transport and long-term preservation, the model is expected to improve both profitability and efficiency for fish vendors in the region.
Beyond its practical benefits, the solar-powered cooler also has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
By integrating renewable energy and minimizing food waste, the cooler addresses key environmental concerns in the aquaculture sector.
Additionally, the portability of the cooler reduces emissions from fuel-intensive transportation methods, offering a sustainable solution to the challenges posed by high temperatures and inadequate refrigeration.
As the adoption of this innovative cooling model grows, it is expected to transform the aquaculture retail sector, reduce the carbon footprint of the industry, and promote gender-responsive development by supporting women fish retailers across Egypt.
