Designers
Designers
Designers
Enhancing Early Fresh-Produce Systems
A shared cold-storage model supporting small farmers in the early life of fresh produce
Key Words
Designers
Bahar Karaca
SUMMARY
I began with the problem of fresh-produce spoilage and waste and wanted to help diminish this loss while taking some weight off farmers’ shoulders. That led me to explore how the supply chain could be made more efficient, or where early gaps might be closed. Research across Türkiye showed that small and mid-scale farmers face preventable loss due to limited early-stage systems. Using stakeholder insights and prototyping, I focused on improving these early moments to support stability and food security.
challenge
Farmers repeatedly described early post-harvest conditions as their most fragile point: awareness about the advantages of cold storage but not being able to afford it, pressure to sell immediately, and lack of access to reliable infrastructure. These gaps create preventable loss and weaken farmer bargaining power. Interviews and system mapping revealed needs for flexible storage, clearer timing, and easier access to early-stage support. This problem is not crop-specific, most fresh produce faces similar vulnerabilities, making this stage a critical opportunity for impact.
Outcome
The project resulted in a shared short-term cold-storage model supported by a simple digital platform that lets farmers reserve space based on availability, timing, and need. This shifts storage from ownership to accessible service, directly addressing affordability and access gaps. By improving early-stage conditions, the solution reduces post-harvest pressure, decreases loss, and supports more stable income. Ultimately, it strengthens both farmer resilience and the broader foundation of food security.
MEET THE Designers:
Bahar Karaca