Rural milk preservation with the ISAAC solar icemaker

Abstract

Rural communities of developing nations need refrigeration to preserve perishable foods like fish or milk, for cold drinks, and for other needs. Because of the increasing cost and scarcity of traditional energy sources and because a large percentage of the rural population does not have electrical service, they cannot depend upon electricity for refrigeration. It is becoming more desirable to utilize alternative energy sources. This article describes the “ISAAC™,” a solar powered icemaker and its application to milk preservation in two rural villages in the coast of Kenya. Three solar icemakers were installed in each of two rural communities and two dairy co-operatives were established. Over 100 farmers have increased their income by increased ability to market their milk. The project was funded by the World Bank's Development Marketplace program. The project partners are Solar Ice Company and Heifer Project International. The project generates rural income, rural jobs, alleviates poverty, and contributes to food and energy security. The project has enormous replication potential.