Design and construction of a manually and engine powered cassava chipping machine.

Abstract

Cassava manihot esculentus, is one of the important. crop grown in most parts of Uganda. They are rich sources of carbohydrates and can be grown in poor soils. The crop today in. Uganda receives a major boost due to the joint efforts of Ugandan government and has led to drastic increase of cassava production in the Country. The predominantly manual cassava processing methods currently used in the country is tedious and time consuming. Where mechanical efforts exist, these are inappropriate to local needs and are often unaffordable by smallholder farmers. As the main subject of this study, there is need to develop technologies that meet farmers’ demands through reduction in post-harvest losses and expose the crop to vibrant markets through its numerous industrial uses, To address the challenge, the researchers carried out a review of relevant literature related to various uses of cassava in Uganda, common varieties grown, a cassava processing methods, in particular the traditional and improved methods of cassava processing currently in use in the country. Based on these findings, the researcher developed design criteria for the different components of the targeted machine, selected appropriate materials for the components. Specific calculation was made so as to arrive at the different components at included; the frame, hopper, pulleys, chipping frame and disc shaft belt and bearing selection and pulley. After fabricating the machine, limited on-station and field testes using farmers in the neighborhood farmers to evaluate the performance of the prototype machine. The capacity of the machine is then determined from the tests carried out, Machine capacity is 174kg/hr and the sizes of chips ranged between 5-10mm diameters. The developed machine can improve. crop and labor productivity and. boost farmers' income while releasing valuable. time for other activities. The -machine is efficient and can be adapted for use in The technology should be utilized by a group of small scale farmers to boost cassava production and rural development.