Algae Biorefineries(Microalgae & Seaweed) to Reduce Postharvest Losses in Africa

A Simple Entry Point into the Algae Economy

By Margaret Nyaga — Founder, Algae Africa Network (AAN)

Introduction

Postharvest losses remain one of the most persistent challenges in Africa’s agricultural systems. Across many countries, an estimated 30–50% of fruits and vegetables are lost before they reach consumers. These losses occur not because production is insufficient, but because preservation along the value chain is weak.

In most cases, attention is directed toward large-scale solutions such as cold storage, improved transport systems, and logistics. While important, these require significant investment and coordination. Less attention is given to what happens at a much smaller scale — inside the crate itself.

This raises a more immediate and practical question: can small, material-level improvements reduce losses in a meaningful way?

A Material Approach to Postharvest Loss

Fresh produce, particularly tomatoes, is highly sensitive to handling and storage conditions. During transport, fruits are subjected to mechanical stress, moisture loss, and microbial exposure, leading to rapid deterioration.

Current systems rely on plastic crates or wooden boxes, which provide structure but do little to protect the internal environment. Damage and spoilage often begin during transport.

Rather than replacing these systems, a simpler approach is to improve what already exists. One such solution is the use of thin, biodegradable liners placed inside crates.

The Role of Algae-Derived Materials

Algae are increasingly being explored as a source of bio-based materials due to their rapid growth and rich biochemical composition. Beyond food and biofuels, algae biomass can be processed into biopolymers suitable for packaging.

When used as crate liners, these materials can reduce moisture loss, minimize physical damage, and help limit microbial activity. Studies on bio-based packaging have shown promising results, including preservation of fruits for up to 21 days, over 60% reduction in weight loss, and improved texture retention compared to conventional systems.

Importantly, these materials do not need to be purely algae-based. Combining algae biomass with low-cost materials like starch or cellulose makes them more practical and scalable.

What This Could Look Like in Practice

In practical terms, this approach does not require highly complex systems. Algae biomass — from microalgae or seaweed — can be produced locally or sourced from existing cultivation efforts, then dried and processed into powder or paste.

This material can be combined with low-cost binders such as starch and formed into thin sheets using simple methods like solution casting or compression. Similar techniques are already used in producing biodegradable films from agricultural materials.

These sheets can then be used as liners inside standard plastic crates. The goal is not to replace existing systems, but to improve the immediate environment around the produce during transport.

In early-stage applications, such liners could be tested with traders and aggregators handling tomatoes and other perishable crops, where even small reductions in spoilage translate directly into financial gains.

From Concept to Application

Crate liners are attractive because they fit into existing systems. Farmers and traders continue using the same crates, with the liner acting as an added protective layer.

This makes adoption easier. It is not a disruptive technology, but an incremental improvement with direct economic value. Even a 10–20% reduction in losses can significantly increase income for traders and farmers.

Opportunity Within the Algae Economy

This opens the possibility for small-scale production units located near farming regions. While much attention is given to high-tech applications, simpler material-based solutions can be more accessible and scalable.

Production can be localized, using regionally available inputs. Microalgae cultivation can also be integrated with wastewater treatment or agricultural systems, supporting circular resource use.

This creates opportunities across a value chain — from biomass production to material development and distribution.

A Practical Direction Forward

Reducing postharvest losses requires multiple strategies, but small innovations should not be overlooked. In many contexts, they offer the fastest path to impact.

Algae-based materials provide one such opportunity — simple, adaptable, and aligned with real-world systems.

Conclusion

Algae is often discussed in terms of future industries. But in reality, the entry points may be much simpler. Improving what happens inside a crate is not a distant innovation — it is something that can be tested, refined, and built today.

For those looking to enter the algae economy, the opportunity may not begin with complex systems, but with practical solutions that solve immediate problems. This is one of them.

About the Author

Margaret Nyaga is the Founder of the Algae Africa Network (AAN) and a PhD researcher specializing in algae biorefineries for sustainable food systems, circular bioeconomy, and environmental applications.