Clay Pot Cooler
CoolVeg
Solution Overview & Benefits
A sustainable, electricity-free refrigeration system made from clay, designed to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables in hot climates. Using the principle of evaporative cooling, the inner chamber stays significantly cooler than the outside environment, helping reduce food spoilage and post-harvest losses. Ideal for rural areas without reliable electricity, Coolveg's design is cost-effective, easy to use, and made with locally available materials.
Benefits:
- Extends the freshness of produce by several days to a week
- Operates without electricity
- Made from natural, locally sourced materials
- Supports food security and reduces waste in off-grid communities
History & Development
Clay pot coolers, also known as zeer pots, are traditional evaporative cooling devices that have been used for centuries in arid regions to preserve perishable goods without electricity. The modern adaptation of this technology was revitalized in the 1990s by Nigerian teacher Mohammed Bah Abba, who developed the Pot-in-Pot Preservation Cooling System, earning the Rolex Award for Enterprise in 2001.
Building upon this foundation, CoolVeg, a nonprofit organization, was established to enhance access to evaporative cooling technologies. Collaborating with institutions like MIT D-Lab, CoolVeg has worked to adapt and disseminate clay pot coolers tailored to local needs.
Availability
- Availability: worldwide
- Price: These simple devices can be quickly and easily assembled using locally available materials. Clay pot coolers typically cost between $2 and $15 depending on their size.
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