Agriculture
February 1, 2024
Iketsetse Single Stroke Maize Sheller
Read SolutionImplemented by
Elliot Litsebe Tsiame
Updated on August 21, 2024
·Created on August 18, 2018
The EasyDry M500 is a portable drying device that is used to help achieve the proper moisture content for storage of maize.
The EasyDry M500 is an open-source portable maize dryer that has the capacity of drying up to 1500 kgs of maize per day. It is designed and locally manufactured by the AflaSTOP project which aims to incorporate it into the smallholder farmer’s normal post-harvest routine as a fee-based service.
The EasyDry M500 is designed for local fabrication. It has been manufactured at a cost of $850 USD in Kenya, $1,660 in Rwanda, and $1,100 in Tanzania and Uganda. This is inclusive of expected profit margins.
Target SDGs
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
SDG 1: No Poverty
Market Suggested Retail Price
$1,660.00
Target Users (Target Impact Group)
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
Distributors / Implementing Organizations
The AflaSTOP project is implemented by ACDI/VOCA and Agribusiness Systems International, under the direction of Meridian Institute and in support of the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA). Distribution is done through retailing by the local artisan fabricators.
Competitive Landscape
Direct competitors include Solar Dryer - Model SD 22-3, SunWorks Solar Food Dryer, and GoSol Sol4 Oven.
Manufacturing/Building Method
Production through skilled, local artisan fabricators.
Intellectural Property Type
Open-source
User Provision Model
Users can obtain the product through ACDI/VOCA. In future the product will be available through local artisan fabricators.
Distributions to Date Status
Pilot phase still ongoing. Three EasyDry designs have been deployed in Kenya so far; two mechanical batch dryers and one solar option.
Drying capacity (lbs/m³)
1102.31
Drying duration (hr)
3
Load capacity (m³)
Unknown
Operating temperature range (°C)
Unknown
Temperature control
No
Number of trays
Materials of construction
Mild steel frame with a canvas bed
Design Specifications
Technical Support
Technical manuals provided online:
Replacement Components
Replacement components can be sourced from local artisans and hardware stores since it is made of locally available materials. Interview with representative.
Lifecycle
5 years
Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters
Vetted Performance Status
Safety
The EasyDry M500 is a dangerous piece of agricultural equipment that consists of moving components and hot surfaces, posing possible injury risks. Extreme caution is required around the furnace area, the engine and v-belt assemblies. Children should be kept away from the aforementioned components at all times with bystanders minimized around these areas where possible. Children should be kept away at all times while the dryer is in operation. Do not use indoors unless well ventilated.
Complementary Technical Systems
AflaSTOP has come up with other projects geared towards combating aflatoxin in Kenya.
Academic Research and References
Compliance with regulations
AflaSTOP recommends that the manufacturing of the EasyDry should follow processes that are used and suitable for the country where it is deployed.
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