Title: Towards sustainable rice processing: a case of Republic of Benin

Authors: Afolabi R.I. Biaou Olaye; Paul A. Adedeji; Koessi L.B. Zokpodo; Jean Moreira

Addresses: Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, University of Abomey-Calavi, 04BP 1107 Cotonou, Benin ' Department of Mechanical Engineering Science, University of Johannesburg, South Africa ' Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, 04BP 1107 Cotonou, Benin ' Africa Rice Centre (AfricaRice)

Abstract: Rice, a staple food in the sub-Saharan Africa is a recipient of the effect of population increase, with higher consumption than production. Being a common food in the Sub-Saharan Africa, the sustainability of its growth and processing contribute immensely to achieving food security in the region. This study addresses the problem by designing, fabricating and evaluating the performance of a locally-made threshing-cleaning machine for rice processing, tested on two common rice species in The Republic of Benin. The machine was tested for speed, fuel and water consumption, and production output at loaded and unloaded conditions. Average fuel and water consumption differ between the two rice species at maximum engine speed. The machine produces 1780.5 kg and 1475 kg of IR 841 and Orylux 6 rice per hour respectively. The machine has a high fuel and water economy and offers high prospect in achieving food security in the country.

Keywords: food security; performance evaluation; Republic of Benin; rice; threshing-cleaning machine.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISD.2019.100396

International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development, 2019 Vol.13 No.3/4, pp.333 - 347

Received: 05 Jun 2018
Accepted: 24 Jul 2018
Published online: 28 Jun 2019 *

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