DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF EXPERIMENTAL SOLAR FOOD DEHYDRATOR FOR ROOT CROPS AND VEGETABLES DRYING

Abstract

In the majority of African countries, agriculture represents the most important part of the economy. However, national food production still doesn't meet the requirements of the population. The decrease in food production caused by crop-failures, significant seasonal fluctuations, lack of appropriate and affordable preservation and storage systems can be resolved by way of drying. Locally, crop drying has been accomplished by burning wood and fossil fuels in ovens or outdoors drying under screened sunlight. These methods, however, have their shortcomings. The previous is expensive and not environmental friendly and the latter is vulnerable to the variability and unpredictability of the weather. This paper discusses the development of a hybrid solar food dehydrator using locally available materials like plywood, wire mesh, and a glass, to supply an honest method for food preservation that maintains a high level of flavor and nutrients, at the same time providing a convenient, compact, easy-to-store supply of Agricultural produce at a far lesser cost.