Evaluation of a Modified Multipurpose Cassava Processing Machine for Size Reduction

The production cassava ( Manihot esculenta ) is considered an important alternative to reduction in food scarcity around the world. In Kenya, it rapidly gaining prominence due declining of staple foods, especially maize and wheat. Though still a poor man’s food, usage has greatly diversified terms both industrial domestic applications. This coupled with introduction improved varieties better farming options calls for innovative ways handling increasing volumes fresh tubers minimize post-harvest losses. One postharvest processes size which achieved by either chipping or grating. Improved methods alone are not adequate solve issues field losses production. Factors affecting efficiency operation include operator experience, disc type, speed, cutting clearance moisture content. Conventionally, this been done manually but inherent problems, use machines being encouraged through development adoption chipping/grating machines. study machine developed was dual powered allowed conversion from chipper grater vice versa as need be. It capacity 162.15kg/h 81.62 kg/h when grating respectively. process consumed less power averaging 0.0034kW/kg compared 0.0075 kW/kg used these chips dried faster than worked cassava. Keywords: Cassava, post-harvest, chipping, grating, DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/13-8-03 Publication date: May 31 st 2023