How Chijioke Nkwocha is solving postharvest fruit losses with in-transit reefer cooling model

Born and raised in Lagos State, Chijioke Leonard Nkwocha says his path into research began with one goal: to use science and technology to solve practical problems in food systems. That goal now guides his work on cold-chain logistics for fruit transport across supply chains.

Nkwocha, a Nigerian researcher, holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering with First Class Honours from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), obtained in 2018. Before that, he earned his National Diploma in Agricultural Engineering with Upper Credit from the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, in 2013.

During his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 2019, he served at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, as a graduate assistant in the Department of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering.

Nkwocha noted that the role strengthened both his technical foundation and his passion for research.

Research that focuses on reefer logistics

Nkwocha, now a master’s student at Stellenbosch University in the Western Cape, South Africa, in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, where he conducts research in the South African Research Chair in Postharvest Technology (SARChI Postharvest) laboratory, said his research sits within postharvest technology and focuses specifically on integral refrigerated container (reefer) logistics in the horticultural cold chain.

According to him, he investigates whether reefer containers can effectively cool perishable fruits, especially apples and pears, from pre-optimum loading temperatures to optimum transport temperatures while maintaining fruit quality.

“This question matters because postharvest losses remain a major challenge in cold-chain management. Conventional precooling systems, particularly forced-air cooling, are effective but costly, process-intensive, and logistically demanding. In practice, delays in reefer scheduling and operations can disrupt fruit handling timelines and increase inefficiencies,” he said.

Nkwocha said his research responds directly to the challenge. He explores an operational model in which fruit is loaded at pre-optimum temperature and then cooled to the required transport temperature within the reefer during transit.

“If successful, this approach can improve operational flexibility, reduce dependence on rigid precooling workflows, and support better scheduling decisions across the horticultural logistics chain. Ultimately, my work aims to help establish practical criteria for more efficient reefer handling and operation in South Africa’s horticultural industry,” he said.

Recognition and future research plans

Nkwocha said his work received recognition when he presented on 3 June 2021, at a symposium organised by the Consortium for Innovation in Post-Harvest Loss & Food Waste Reduction at Iowa State University in the United States.

“I participated virtually, and my work won First Prize in the Poster Category. This achievement led to a feature on my department’s webpage and further motivates me to pursue excellence,” he said.

Following this milestone, the consortium invited him to deliver an expanded oral presentation at the 3rd All Africa Postharvest Congress, held virtually on 13 September 2021.

“The experience was deeply enriching. It broadened my perspective on ongoing research across the continent, connected me with peers and experts, and provided critical feedback that I will actively integrate into my work moving forward,” the researcher added.

Nkwocha said he has made progress in his master’s programme, and he remains committed to contributing meaningful solutions to real-world agricultural challenges.

“I also maintain a strong research interest in agricultural robotics and precision agriculture, fields I hope to pursue at the PhD level in the future. I welcome opportunities that allow me to grow at this intersection of engineering, automation, and sustainable agriculture,” he added.

To his advice for early researchers, Nkwocha said, “Remain persistent, keep building capacity, and pursue excellence with discipline. Consistent effort invested in solving meaningful problems today creates lasting impact tomorrow.”