ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the concepts covered in the preceding chapters of this book. The book provides a scenario of cold chain management in different parts of the world. It deals with the discussion on the importance of the cold chain as well as the different options and innovations of cooling systems. The book focuses on suitable temperature regimes of selected perishable commodities along the cold chain. It explains the development of traditional storage methods for the rural farmers to maintain the quality and the longevity of horticultural produce cost-effectively. The book provides a comprehensive overview of on-farm storage structures such as cellar storage, trench/pit, clamp, windbreak, barn, night ventilation, evaporative cooling, zero energy cool chamber and clay pot/pot-in-pot refrigerator. It discusses the issues related to availability, affordability and access to cooling and packing facilities and associated challenges to most small- to medium-scale farming enterprises in Tanzania.
