Design and Development of Solar-Powered Mechanical Dryer for Small-Scale Cacao Processing

Cacao is one of the most lucrative commodities sold in the world market. Methods of drying the cacao beans are usually by sun-drying and artificial or, forced air drying, depending on some socio-economic considerations and prevailing climatic conditions. The quality of cacao beans is dependent on the proper drying method. The need for a cacao dryer which is responsible for obtaining the appropriate moisture content of beans is considered one of the ways to increase income of cacao growers. Hence, this study was conducted to design and develop a mechanical dryer for small-scale cacao processing with the goal of increasing the income of cacao growers. It is therefore imperative that the drying operation be given utmost importance during cacao processing since it also affects the quality of cacao beans. The study employed the R& D Method which was conducted for six months. Findings revealed that the developed cacao dryer is a convenient facility for cacao drying. In like manner, the material was assessed with acceptable quality based on its simplicity, mobility design, technical efficiency, and versatility. Hence, the use of the developed cacao dryer promotes technical and economic advantages to cacao growers.

Keywords –cacao dryer, design and development, technological efficiency, extension project, higher income, drying cost