Assessment of the

7.7 INTEGRATE ALCS WITH EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE 
The existing capacity of cold stores might be sufficient to store current volumes, however the majority of 
the existing cold chain infrastructure as observed by the team, with a few exceptions, is rudimentary, idle 
or lacking altogether. For example, critical pre-cooling sites, refrigerated facility sites, field packing 
operations, receiving, cleaning/rinsing/sorting/sizing/packaging sheds are often missing, preventing an 
integrated cold chain. However, certain structures and infrastructure may exist in the areas 
recommended for ALC’s which may be useful to include in the cluster scheme. To integrate the existing 
cold stores with the planned ALCs, the GoU should conduct a thorough assessment and diagnostic analysis 
to identify the potential cold stores that could easily be integrated with minor improvements and 
retrofitting, and those that require complete rehabilitations. The potential for implementation of the 
proper storage/stacking discipline and handling practices, good hygienic and manufacturing practices should 
also be assessed. 
7.8 INCORPORATE EDUCATION AND TRAINING ON WAREHOUSE OPERATIONS AND 
FACILITY MAINTENANCE INTO ALC PLANNING 
Thorough and on-going employee training utilizing globally recognized industry association based 
expertise, university programs, or a cooperative effort between those two entities is essential to opening 
and successfully operating any and all links in the ICC framework, including large facilities like terminal 
markets, packing-sheds, pre-cooling, ripening, and distribution centers. The GoU should enable, or 
contract with, one or more globally recognized institutions and associations to provide certified, 
curriculum-based education in universities and within agencies and encourage small and medium 
businesses to gain certifications and degrees. The WFLO team recommends the GoU coordinate with 
academia, and the private sector as when these three institutions are aligned in a set of common goals, it 
is possible to reach those goals more effectively and quicker. The GoU may consider mandating and 
enforcing professional and associated practices. 
In line with the training, a common comprehensible definition of the ALC should be established including 
the general and specific functions. This information should be relayed to all levels of the ICC and must 
include farmers, growers, cooperatives, traders, entrepreneurs, and other businesses involved throughout 
the supply chain.