Book of Abstracts
Oral Presentation ID: 2201
Title: Comparative Studies on Grain Quality and Pesticide Residues in Maize Stored in Hermetic and Polypropylene Storage Bags
Author: Samuel Kofi Nyarko | KNUST | kofinyarkosamuel65@gmail.com
Abstract:
Conventional method of grain storage involving the use of polypropylene bags in conjunction with pesticides, and hermetic bags is paramount in developing countries. However, there is limited information on grain quality and pesticides residues concentration of maize stored in such storage systems. This work aimed to determine grain quality and pesticide residue concentrations of maize stored in polypropylene and hermetic storage bags. Maize samples stored for a period of one year in polypropylene and hermetic bags were obtained from three major maize growing communities (Ejura, Abofour and Asante-Akyem Agogo) in the Ashanti region of Ghana, and were analysed for grain quality, aflatoxin content and pesticide residue concentration using standard methods. The amount of diseased, discolored, broken / chipped, insect damaged, stained, germinated, shrivelled, other grains, total defective, inorganic and organic matter of maize stored in hermetic bags were significantly lower than that of polypropylene, indicating a higher grain quality of hermetically stored maize. The levels of aflatoxin in maize stored in the polypropylene bags were significantly higher (7.8ppb - >20ppb) than maize stored in the hermetic bags (0.0ppb – 3.6ppb) from all the three study communities. Out of the thirty-five (35) pesticides that were screened, only Lambda-cyhalothrin was detected in polypropylene bags and Deltamethrin was detected in hermetic bags, in all the three study areas. The presence of these pesticide residues may be due to their long-lasting abilities. The levels of Lambda cyhalothrin residues were above the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) of 0.02 mg/kg, but have no significant effect on health. Deltamethrin residue concentrations in hermetically stored maize samples were below MRL. In conclusion, maize grains stored in hermetic bags have higher grain quality, lower aflatoxin and pesticide residues concentration than polypropylene bags. Education and promotion of utilization of hermetic bags should be a priority in storing and supplying safe maize grains to consumers.
Oral Presentation ID: 2202
Title: Comparative assessment of cold storage and hermetic bag (ZeroFly) storage on stored maize grain viability, nutritional content and quality
Author: Emmanuel Arthur | KNUST| teddyarthur72@gmail.com
Abstract:
Cold storage is expensive for smallholder seed processors and farmers in developing countries. This encourages smallholder farmers to resort to the continuous use of the traditional polypropylene (PP) bags for maize grain storage most often with chemical applications to preserve the grain quality. However hermetic bags have proven to provide superior protection to grains during storage without chemical treatment of the stored grains. In this study, maize grain quality, nutritional content and viability were compared under 3 storage methods (PP bags with Phostoxin treatment, cold storage, and ZeroFly hermetic bags) over a storage period of four months. Standard laboratory procedures and formulae were used for data collection. The results showed ZeroFly hermetic bag maintained the moisture content of the stored grains with 0.4% variations from the initial MC of 13% at the end of the storage period compared to 0.7% and 1.1% for grains stored under cold storage and in PP bags with Phostoxin treatment respectively. Grain damage after the 4th month of storage in the ZeroFly bag had only increased by 0.4 % from an initial 13.3 % before storage compared to an increase of 6 % (cold storage) and 4.3 % (PP bag). There was no significant difference (p≤0.05) in percentage germination at the end of the storage period for grains stored in ZeroFly (85 %) and under cold storage (75 %) compared to the initial (88 %). The percentage of weight loss due to insect damage was maintained at 2.3% in the hermetic bag compared to 4.5% and 6.4% in PP bags and cold storage respectively. Carbon dioxide concentration in the hermetic bag was maintained at about 11% throughout the storage period indicating low microbial activity in the hermetic bag over the storage period. Hermetic bag technology has proven to be a viable option for the quality preservation during storage of maize grain, and its adoption by smallholder farmers is encouraged.
Oral Presentation ID: 2203
Title: Effect of post-harvest handling of tomatoes along the value chain on the quality of fresh tomatoes in Ghana
Author: Simon Salifu Mamarah | KNUST | lovemmara@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Postharvest handling of tomato is a significant seasonal challenge in Ghana, contributing to over 30% of post-production losses. The study was therefore, undertaken to ascertain the effect of postharvest handling practices on the chemical composition of tomatoes. The study was survey and laboratory experiment. The survey involved the use of semi-structured questionnaire to obtain data from the value chain actors. The laboratory experiment was a 3x4 factorial in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 3 replications. Field survey data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The laboratory results were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using Statistix version 10 and means separated using Tukey’s HSD at 5%. Results of the study revealed that sorting, packaging, transportation, and storage were the major postharvest treatments carried out along the value chain. The results of the respondents own estimated losses along the value chain revealed that the farm level losses (17.5%) were statistically similar (p≤0.05) to the retail market losses (21.7%). However, the wholesale level losses (41%) were statistically higher (p≤0.05) than the farm and retail market losses. For the field measurement, the results indicated that the farm level losses (2.12%) were significantly higher as compared to the wholesale level losses (0.40%). However, farm level losses were statistically similar to that of the retail market losses (2.40%). The physicochemical analysis showed that there were significant interaction effect (p≤0.05) between postharvest treatments and value chain actors for pH, TTA, and TSS. For the pH, transportation at the farmer level produced the highest pH of 4.17 while storage at the retail level recorded the least pH of 3.79. For the TTA, sorting and storage at the farmer and retail level respectively produced the highest TTA of 0.55% while transportation at the wholesale level recorded the least TTA of 0.41%. For the TSS, sorting at the retail level produced the highest TSS of 4.47 ⸰Brix while transportation at the wholesale level recorded the least TSS of 3.40 ⸰Brix. The results of the pesticide residues analysis revealed that pesticides were not detected in the fresh tomato samples suggesting no potential health risks to consumers in the study area. The study concludes that, the major postharvest treatments along the value chain affected the chemical composition of tomatoes and also contributed to losses along the value chain and the tomatoes from the study area were safe from pesticide residues.
Oral Presentation ID: 2204
Title: A comparative study on photochemical, nutritional composition and microbial load of fresh and spoiled tomatoes
Author: Loretta Oduro, Joshua Allotei Allotey, Faustina Dufie Wireko-Manu, Joseph O. Akowuah | KNUST | fdbaah@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Tomato fruit contains high levels of bioactive compounds and essential nutrients linked with several health benefits, howbeit it is highly perishable due to its physiological nature, post-harvest handling, and vulnerability to microbial infestation. Like many developing countries, most Ghanaian preferably consume spoiled tomatoes due to their inexpensiveness, however, the nutritional content and health implications associated with tomato spoilage remain unclear in literature. To fill this knowledge gap, this study compared the nutritional and phytochemical composition, and the microbial safety of fresh and spoiled tomatoes from the Ghanaian market using standard analytical protocols. The study results revealed considerably higher levels of crude fibre (3.54%), potassium (140.80 mg/100g), and folic acid (0.07 mg/100g) in spoiled tomatoes when compared with fresh tomato samples which recorded corresponding amounts as 0.81%, 88.88 mg/100g and 0.04 mg/100g, except for moisture and Vitamin C which were otherwise. Also, phytochemicals including lycopene, beta-carotene, and chlorogenic acid were 58.33 mg/100 g, 57.05 mg/100 g, and 1.17 mg/100 g respectively higher in spoiled tomatoes than the fresh samples. Nonetheless, microbial loads in spoiled tomatoes were very high with Total Viable Count (TVC) ranging from 3.31 to 5.52 (Log10 cfu/mL) and similarly unacceptable values for Total Coliform Count (TCC) and Escherichia coli, while yeast and moulds were Too Numerous to Count (TNTC). Although, spoiled tomato is more nutritious as the study clearly shows, the high level of microbial contaminants makes it unsafe for human consumption. Further study is required to understanding mechanisms to obtain its high nutritional contents with innocuous microbial loads.
Oral Presentation ID: 2205
Title: Economic and financial analysis of a flatbed dryer with a biomass heat source for maize drying
Author: Henry Ampadu Boateng | KNUST | henry.boateng5@gmail.com
Abstract:
The use of low-capacity drying systems suitable for smallholder maize farmers can contribute substantially in the reduction of postharvest losses of maize at the smallholder level. However, unavailable information on the cost-effectiveness of such drying systems for decision-making by farmers and potential investors is lacking. This study sought to assess the financial and economic feasibility of a 3-tonne capacity flatbed dryer using corn cobs as biomass heat source for maize drying. A cost-benefit analysis was done using net present value (NPV), benefit-cost ratio (BCR), and internal rate of return (IRR) as well as payback period (PBP) to measure the financial viability of the dryer operation and the profitability of an investment. The results show that the total capital expenditure required to establish the drying system is GH₵35,000 (US$6,140.35) with a running cost of Gh₵3,080.80 (US$540.49) per 4-months operational period in a year. Using an economic utilisation period of 15 years, the investment in the dryer was determined to be viable with an NPV of GH₵ 64,487.21(US$11,313.55) and IRR of 54%. At a drying charge of $1.75/bag of maize, the results show the initial capital invested in the set-up of a drying service can be recouped in a PBP of 1.84 years at a BCR of 2.65. This is an indication that an investment in the dryer business will be profitable. The findings have implications in addressing maize post-harvest losses at the smallholder level and will support employment creation, especially among the youth and women in rural maize growing communities in Ghana.
Oral Presentation ID: 2206
Title: Yieldwise model adoption on post-harvest loss reduction and livelihood of smallholder maize farmers in the Wa Municipality of Ghana
Author: Annang Benjamin | KNUST | nene.benjye@gmail.com
Abstract:
This study sought to assess the adoption of the YieldWise model on post-harvest loss reduction and livelihood of smallholder maize farmer in the Wa municipality. The study employed random and purposive sampling techniques to sample 140 smallholder maize farmers and 10 crop aggregation center managers in Wa Municipality. A well-structured questionnaire was used to obtain data from the selected sample. The findings revealed that the timeliness of input supply, ready market, access to extension service, availability of recommended inputs, and training on post-harvest loss reduction are factors influencing the adoption of the YieldWise model by smallholder farmers in Wa Munipality. The availability of recommended inputs was the main influencing factor, followed by access to extension service, whiles ready market was the least. The introduction of the YieldWise model had impact on the harvesting and postharvest loss reduction. The model caused an average of 46.24 Kg/ha (25.66 %) reduction in harvesting losses, 28.11 Kg/ha (19.74 %) reduction in shelling and threshing losses, 12.85 Kg/ha (54.99 %) reduction in storage losses, whereas transportation losses remained almost same, thus, 0.62 Kg/ha and 0.68 kg/ha for Antika and non-Antrika farmers respectively. The YieldWise model has improved the livelihood of smallholder maize farmers in Wa Municipality. Many farmers (30.4 %) are able to secure food for their family throughout the year, 26.5 % are able to pay for their children school fees, 17.1 % of the farmers have been able to purchase a motor cycle/tricycle, 11.1 % of the farmers have been able to expand their main occupation, 10.6 % have built a new house for themselves, and 4.3 % have been able to marry additional wife. From the finding of the study, it is recommended that ready market provided under the YieldWise model be improved to meet the farmer’s expectations. The model should provide improved transportation assistance to the farmers to reduce transportation losses. Farmers should be educated on the need to invest farm income in their occupation as a means of improving livelihood.
Oral Presentation ID: 2207
Title: On-farm mitigation of aflatoxin contamination in feed and milk: A Case study from Rwanda
Author: Kizito Nishimwe | University of Rwanda | kizito.nishimwe@gmail.com
Abstract:
Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi – such as Aspergillus flavus, and A. parasiticus, under favourable climate conditions. They are associated with adverse effects in humans (i.e., liver cancer) and animals (i.e., low production). Exposure principally occurs when humans and animals eat contaminated food or feed, including, for humans, animal source foods (ASF) like milk when they originate from animals with aflatoxin-contaminated diets. In Rwanda, previous studies documented the high contamination of dairy feed diets with aflatoxins with 108.83 ± 144.90 µg/kg (Median: 43.65 µg/kg) (Nishimwe et al. 2019) and aflatoxin M1 contamination in milk in the range of 0.89 ± 1.64 µg/l (median: 0.33 µg/l) (Nishimwe et al. 2022). A follow-up study was designed to examine on-farm use of aflatoxin binders in dairy feed as a strategy to reduce aflatoxin excretion in milk in the Rwandan context. Feed and milk samples were collected in 5 rounds (including the first round to establish aflatoxin B1 and aflatoxin M1 baselines, and for the rest of rounds, selected dairy farms were randomly located into two groups the control group and treatment group, which received aflatoxin binder, NovasilTM Plus, and training on how to use the binder in concentrates) from selected dairy farms using grasses and concentrates, mainly maize-based feed ingredients, to improve the production and analysed for aflatoxin B1 and aflatoxin M1, respectively. Feed samples were high compared to the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) standard of 5 µg/kg AFB1. However, there was no significant statistical difference between treatment vs. control groups (p>0.05) during rounds two through five. Milk samples collected during the first round established a baseline of AFM1 contamination in milk (Mean: 0.19µg/l; median: 0.14 µg/l). On average, AFM1 levels in both groups (i.e., control and treatment) did not exceed the 0.5 µg/kg AFM1 regulatory limit in milk despite the high aflatoxin contamination in the feed supplement. However, the aflatoxin binder significantly reduced AFM1 contamination in the treatment group compared to the control group (p<0.05). There is a need to integrate the use of binder countrywide in feeds to mitigate aflatoxin's adverse effects on livestock and in ASF.
Oral Presentation ID: 2208
Title: Promoting small-scale dried mango chips production in Ghana
Author: Jonathan Ampah | CSIR-Food Research Institute | joeampah1@yahoo.com
Abstract:
This study assessed the economic viability of establishing a small-scale facility to process fresh mangoes into dried chips in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Production data was based on an existing fruit processing facility located in Accra. Using prevailing and projected data, the study estimated the revenue generated, net present value (NPV) and benefit–cost ratio (BCR). At an assumed discount rate of 10% p.a., the NPV and BCR were estimated to be GH₵45,062 (US$8193) and 1.07 respectively. The positive Net Present Value (NPV) recorded implied that the venture would be economically viable. Generally, from the data recorded, a mango chips production facility churning out 120kg of chips per week is economically viable. Furthermore, SWOT analysis of the dried chips industry was conducted and the following major deductions documented; location of the proposed facility (Nsawam) was an important strength, lack of proper postharvest management facilities was identified as a threat contributing to postharvest losses, population boom coupled with health consciousness of populace served as an opportunity and finally, the total dependence on rainfed farming influenced the size and timing of harvested fruits utilized in chips production. Based on these findings, it is recommended that to reduce postharvest losses and enhance processing activities, dried mango chips production may be implemented as an alternative intervention to improve livelihoods, especially among the youth and women due to its economic viability.
Oral Presentation ID: 2209
Title: Evaluation of Hermetic Bag Technology to Preserve Shea Nuts in Rural Ghana
Author: George Obeng-Akrofi | Iowa State University | georgeo@iastate.edu
Abstract:
Shea nuts are a nutritionally and economically important tree crop harvested seasonally in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa. Storage losses are a major constraint in the shea nut value chain, with substantial amounts lost prior to processing and marketing. Hermetic bags have proven to be a viable technology for the effective storage of grains, oilseeds and pulses in sub-Saharan Africa due to their efficacy, low cost, and commercial availability. However, prior to this research hermetic bag storage technology had not been investigated for the preservation of shea nut quality. In this study, shea nut storage in hermetic bags was compared to storage in jute sacks and woven polypropylene (PP) bags. Shea nuts had an initial moisture content of 7.3% (w.b.) and insect damage of 28%. Each storage treatment consisted of 12 bags of 20 kg shea nuts with samples taken from 3 bags every 6 weeks over a 30-week storage period. As ambient temperature and relative humidity conditions varied over time, moisture content varied within 1 percentage point in hermetic bags compared to 3 percentage points in the jute sacks and PP bags. Insect damage was maintained below 30.0% in hermetic bags compared to increasing to 80% and 82% in PP bags and jute sacks, respectively. Weight loss due to insect damage was 4.5% in the hermetic bags compared to 10.1% and 11.6% in the jute sacks and PP bags, respectively. Carbon dioxide concentration in the hermetic bags remained below 6% over 30 weeks indicating low insect and microbial activity. The results of this study have proven hermetic bag storage technology to be a viable option for quality preservation of dry shea nuts, and are therefore recommended for adoption in the shea nut value chain.
Oral Presentation ID: 2210
Title: Non-destructive detection of bruises in pomegranate fruit by Vis-NIR and SWIR hyperspectral imaging
Author: E.E. Okere1, A.A. Tsige1, W.J. Perold1, and U.L. Opara1,2*| 1Stellenbosch University, 2UNESCO International Centre for Biotechnology Nigeria | *opara@sun.ac.za
Abstract:
Pomegranate fruit have been described with words such as superfruit, owing to its tremendous health benefit associated with its consumption. Fresh pomegranate fruit is susceptible to bruising, a common type of mechanical damage during harvest, sorting and packhouse handling before export for retail sales. The early detection of such damages in pomegranate fruit plays a crucial role in fruit grading. This study investigated the use of two hyperspectral imaging device for the detection of bruises in fresh pomegranate fruit. 90 sample pomegranates were grouped into three categories of 30 samples each, representing artificially induced pre-scanning bruise by dropping samples from 100 cm and 60 cm height on a metal surface. The control has no pre-scanning bruise (no drop induced bruise). Two hyperspectral imaging setups were examined: visible and near infrared (400 to 1000 nm) and short wavelength infrared (1000 to 2500 nm). Region of interest (ROI) averaged reflectance spectra was implemented to reduce the image data. Principal components analysis (PCA) of the reduced hyperspectral data cube was performed using the singular value decomposition (SVD) method. Two PCs retained 94% of the variance with PC1–88.7% and PC2–5.24% for the Vis-NIR and PC1–86.88.7% and PC2–7.595.24% for the SWIR. The class mean spectral characteristics of the 100 cm, 60 cm, and control were used to train, test and validate a two-layer feed-forward artificial neural network for classification. The bruise severity classification accuracy ranged from 80 to 96.7%. For the combined data for all three group of samples, model was able to classify fruits to the different group of bruise severity at an overall accuracy for both SWIR and Vis-NIR of 88.9 and 74.4% respectively. This study demonstrated the potential of using hyperspectral imaging technology in sensing and classification of bruise severity in pomegranate fruit.
Oral Presentation ID: 2211
Title: Analysis of the engineering properties of selected edible coating materials for fresh fruits
Author: Siphumle Jama1, Alemayahu Tsige1, Umezuruike Opara1, and Olaniyi Fawole2 | 1Stellenbosch University, 2University of Johannesburg | tsige@sun.ac.za
Abstract:
Packaging is a key step for fresh produce to extend shelf life, reduce spoilage, and ensure safety during marketing. As packaging materials, plastics are non-biodegradable and non-renewable, which lead to environmental pollution and cause serious ecological problems. Therefore, edible packaging (edible films and coatings) has attracted much attention for replacing traditional plastic packages in the fresh fruit industry due to its non-toxicity, health and safety, and pollution-free advantages. In this study, films based on methylcellulose (MC), and chitosan (CH) were prepared. The aim of this work was to analyse and characterize the effects of polymer concentrations on mechanical properties of the different films. Results showed that the MC and CH films have good film-forming properties. For MC films, tensile strength was not significantly affected (p > 0.05) in the tested range (0.5-1.5 % w/w). An increase in concentration resulted in decreased Young’s modulus of both MC and CH films.
Oral Presentation ID: 2212
Title: Packaging of the future: innovations in packaging design and cold chain logistical management
Author: Alemayehu Ambaw1*, Matia Mukama1,2, Tobi Fadijia1, Umezuruike Oparaa1,3 | 1Stellenbosch University, 3Kyambogo University, 3UNESCO International Centre for Biotechnology Nigeria | *tsige@sun.ac.za
Abstract:
Production of fruits and vegetables are spread out in all regions of the world and seasons. Following this there is demand and need to diversify and develop postharvest packaging, storage, transport, marketing, and processing logistics to extend the shelf life of produce beyond their growing seasons and regions. The design and optimization of packaging in the fresh fruit supply chain entails many requirements. Shelf-life extension, maintenance of natural colour, texture, flavour, and nutrients; control moisture loss, restrict disease, infections, and infestation; cushioning against injury during handling and shipping. Packaging design influences the entire supply chain, playing an important role in controlling distribution, damage, and return costs. This study developed a holistic packaging design methodology in the fresh fruit postharvest handling system based on virtual prototyping approach. The method examines the cardboard box compressive strength and fruit cooling rate performances of new designs before manufacturing. It involves computer aided graphics (CAG), computational structural dynamics (CSD), computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and computational heat transfer (CHT) methods. The virtual prototyping took only few hours to provide data on the carton compression strength, airflow resistance characteristics, produce cooling rate, spatiotemporal temperature and produce quality map in the cold chain. Six different (new and commercially available) designs were examined. The different carton designs performed almost equally in maintaining produce quality. The new packaging box design is more compact, hence, with a higher freight density (1720 kg more fruit per reefer than the commercial counterpart). It also enhanced the precooling process throughput (17% faster) and energy usage (30% less power usage).
Oral Presentation ID: 2213
Title: Updated version of the SIPPOC post-harvest loss database
Author: Fernando VinÃcius da Rocha | University of São Paulo | fernandorocha7@gmail.com
Abstract:
The Post-Harvest Loss Information System (SIPPOC). SIPPOC aims to provide information and tools to support decisions related to post-harvest losses worldwide. All the information has been systematized, and it is available on an online and free access platform that involves a website integrated with a geographic information system (GIS), loss calculation tools, secondary databases of global loss indicators for different cultures, and a loss calculator for logistical activities. The Global Post-Harvest Loss Information Database consolidate information PHL information from different crops, countries and supply chain steps. The updated version of the SIPPOC post-harvest loss database will be presented during the session.
Oral Presentation ID: 2214
Title: Storage of tomato under ambient conditions: mapping the disorders and the response to bruising
Author: Anurag Dagar, Bettina Kochanek, Samir Droby and Amnon Lichter | Volcani Institute | vtlicht@agri.gov.il
Abstract:
Tomato are fleshy fruit with thin skin which renders them susceptible to multiple defects and disorders. Our objective was to identify and quantify what are the major disorders in marketed tomato and to understand which disorders are static or progressive during storage under ambient conditions. Fruit obtained from growers, from wholesale markets and retailers, was characterized for various defects and disorders and stored at 25°C until loss of commercial value. The number of intact fruit without any visible defects was very low with impact damage being the primary defect but it did not develop further during storage. Shriveling was the main progressive disorder that developed during storage and it could be mitigated by internal coating of closed cardboard boxes. Upon non-destructive visualization tomato fruit could be sorted into fruit with internal skin damage and intact fruit. These symptoms could be reproduced mechanically within 3-4 d of application. Severe heat but not cold stress caused similar symptoms suggesting that internal cell disruption is involved. The characterization of tomato defects and disorders improved our understanding on their relative importance and some of the underlying processes.
Oral Presentation ID: 2215
Title: Decision Support Systems for Post-harvest Management
Author: Steve Sonka | University of Maryland | ssonka21@gmail.com
Abstract:
This presentation describes development of a tool to assist managers as they plan and implement interventions to reduce post-harvest loss. While it is important to understand the dimensions of loss prior to the intervention, even a relatively credible estimate of loss is insufficient, in itself, to guide effective action. Both private and public sector managers should consider the opportunity costs of potential actions. Those costs can have both financial and non-financial dimensions, as the manager strives to identify actions which enable the best use of available resources. This presentation will illustrate a modeling approach which allows managers to directly evaluate the costs and benefits of alternative actions to manage post-harvest loss. The term, decision support system (DSS), is used here to refer to computer-enhanced tools developed with a primary focus on enhancing decision making capabilities of managers. A DSS is particularly suited to settings where problems are less well structured and a potentially changing external environment adds complexity to the decisions being considered. An effective DSS both informs planning processes and contributes to evaluation and adaptation as implementation occurs. This presentation will describe a specific DSS developed in collaboration with the Iringa Hope cooperative, headquartered in Iringa, Tanzania. The decision context is implementation of efforts to reduce post-harvest loss of maize by the cooperative’s small-holder farmer members. A particular feature of the approach is incorporation of the ability to consider multiple elements, beyond the amount of physical loss, that affect the effectiveness of alternative post-harvest management options. In addition to providing illustrative estimates generated by the DSS model, the presentation will describe the model’s components and their development. Beyond illustrating DSS development and application, quantitative estimates from the Iringa Hope application also have important insights relating to post-harvest management in general. The model has the capability to evaluate specific intervention efforts (use of hermetic storage) individually. However, a key insight is that the economic value of those efforts often is dependent upon important interactive effects with other initiatives and factors beyond the direct intervention under consideration. Further, while use of best available information is a good practice, the capability to incorporate decision maker expectations into the modeling system also can provide important benefits.
Poster ID: 2220
Title: Performance evaluation of prototype cassava slicers for production of chips
Author: Kodwo Budu | KNUST | budukodwo57@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is rich in carbohydrate and contains other nutrients such as protein and fat, which are in smaller quantities. Cassava is grown mainly by smallholder farmers and is a staple food for about 700 million people worldwide. Cassava is about 60-75 percent water and this causes it to deteriorate after two to three days after harvest. The high-moisture content of cassava also makes it bulky and expensive to be transported. Many attempts have been made to reduce these problems associated with cassava and one of such solutions has been to slice the cassava tubers in order to facilitate easy and faster drying. However, the slicing method has mostly been manual and this method tends to be tedious and time consuming. To solve some of the problems associated with manual slicing, mechanical slicers have been manufactured. This study focused on evaluating the performances of two prototype motorised cassava slicers using seven elite CRI-CSIR cassava varieties. The main objective of the study was to determine the operational performance evaluations of two motorised cassava slicers (wooden and metallic) for chip production. Specifically, the study sought to determine the operational performance of the slicers, to investigate the drying rate of the elite CRI-CSIR cassava varieties, to compare the chip physical properties of the cassava varieties sliced and to compare manual slicing to mechanical slicing. Factorial arrangement was the experimental design used and the data were analysed with RStudio. The study found out that, the wooden slicer had mechanical efficiency of 93.25%, chipping efficiency of 85.25% and quality performance of 91.42% when speed of 370-rpm was combined with 5 mm blade projection. Equally, the 400-rpm and 5 mm interaction produced the highest machine capacity of 469.62 kg.hr. With the metallic slicer, the mechanical efficiency was 92.38% and 86.13% for chipping efficiency. The highest quality performance of 94.08% was achieved at a speed of 400-rpm and 8 mm blade projection, whiles the 400-rpm and 10 mm blade projection produced the best machine capacity of 515.43 kg/hr. The 5 mm blade projection and 10 mm opening for the escape of slices produced 4 mm thick slices with the smallest widths and lengths of 24 and 40 mm respectively. The Abrabopa cassava variety with 10 mm thickness was the last to dry at 300 min. With regards to the 8 mm thick slices, Dudzi cassava variety had the highest drying rate of 0.0094 kg/min and dried the last at 240 min. Comparatively, the 5 mm thick slices, however, were the slices to record the shortest time of drying at 210 min and had the highest drying rate of 0.0098 kg/min. The manual slicing was also found to be expensive than mechanical slicer with GHC 27.5 as against GHC 6.8 for slicing 50 kg of cassava tubers. The study recommends that, further studies should be carried out to explore the power consumptions of the cassava slicers. Also, future design consideration on modification should have openings for the escape of slices at different angles in order to reduce the impact on the cassava tubers.
Poster ID: 2221
Title: Predicting the performance of hermetic storage bag technology
Author: Ma. Cristine Concepcion D. Ignacio and Dirk E. Maier | Iowa State University | mignacio@iastate.edu
Abstract:
Postharvest handling operations, including storage, play a vital role in keeping a commodity safe from deterioration. One of the growing innovative technologies to improve smallholder farmers' food safety and security is hermetic storage. Hermetic storage can effectively control insect activity in stored grains, oilseeds, and pulses without using pesticides, thus preserving product quality. Hermetic bag is a storage technology that uses gas impermeable film as a liner inside a woven polypropylene (PP) or jute sack. Despite the increasing adoption of hermetic storage bag technology in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, gaps are still needed to understand the factors influencing the hermetic bag liners' effectiveness. One is how these bags achieve and maintain a low-oxygen environment and effectively preserve stored grains without chemicals. In this study, the hermetic bag's performance in achieving and maintaining a low oxygen environment is predicted as a function of initial insect infestation and bag liner oxygen transmission rate (OTR). The calculation of oxygen depletion inside the 50- kg hermetic bag includes the grain respiration at 13% MC and 30 oC, the oxygen demand of maize weevil, and oxygen transmission through the bag during the 90-days storage period. Results confirm that insect respiration dominates oxygen depletion in maize stored at a safe storage moisture content of 13%, while grain respiration is negligible. The number of days before oxygen concentration inside the bag reduces below 5% to kill adult insects was determined for different scenarios of insect infestation and hermetic bag liner type. These results will predict the performance of hermetic storage bags with lower OTR values working better for low initial infestations and higher OTR values requiring high initial infestation at safe storage and marketing moisture content of 13% or less. Moreover, results will be used to develop an online dashboard to predict hermetic storage bag performance.
Poster ID: 2222
Title: Analysing The Potential Optimization In Operation And Management Of Crop Aggregation Centers In Ghana Using The Yieldwise Model: A Case Study In The Transitional Zone Of Ghana (Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipal)
Author: Aziz Abu | KNUST | azizabu83@gmail.com
Abstract:
This study sought to determine the potential optimisation of the operation and management of crop aggregation centres in the transitional zone using the Yieldwise model. Two sampling techniques, purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to sample 200 farmers/producers, 94 marketers and 6 Crop Aggregation Center managers in six communities in the Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipal, Ashanti Region, Ghana. A set of well-structured questionnaires were used to retrieve data from the respondents. The study showed majority of the farming activities in the Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipality are carried out in Ejura. Maize produced in the municipality is stored and sold in 50kg sacks. Factors such as equipments, social amenities, distance from the farms to the CACs, capacity of the CAC and the nature(size) of the community are main factors that influence the suitability of a location for CAC. The CACs at Aframso, Seko, and Boyuon have all the prerequisite equipment and social amenities, the least average distance from farms to the CACs and highest grain storage capacities. The CACs at Ejura, Aframso, Seko, and Boyuon have the highest quantity of grains stored per year. The principal factors affecting the operation and management of the CACs in the Municipality include; lack of training of CAC managers on the management of CACs, lack of training on grain treatment practices at the CAC, lack of established market for stored grains, and non existence physical and environmental conditions such ventilation, proper structural orientation, hygiene, and internal and external colour coating. The operations and management of the CACs in the Municipality are geared towards providing grain storage services rather than providing marketing services for farmers, as only the CAC at Ejura has existing market (Ghana Commodity Stock Exchange) for the stored grains. The revised Yieldwise model adopts the financial institution as the pivot, and the activities of CAC that will influence various actors in the value chain. The model connects marketers and financial institutions to the farmers to get access to financial assistance and agro-inputs to expand their farms and get success to marketers. Given these findings, the CAC staffs should be re-trained on the application of chemical and creating marketing for farmers. Establishing existing market should be considered as a prerequisite for the operation of CAC.
Poster ID: 2224
Title: Techno-economic analysis of biomass powered inclined flat-bed dryer.
Author: Paxwell Damptey Adjei | KNUST | adjeipaxwell@gamil.com
Abstract:
Maize drying is the major postharvest challenge for smallholder farmers in Ghana, accounting to the main cause of maize loss in the country. In addressing maize drying challenges for smallholder famers in Ghana, this study assessed the technical performance and economic analysis of a 200-kg capacity inclined flat-bed dryer for maize drying for smallholder farmers in Ghana. The study revealed that the average drying air temperature in the plenum was 73.54 ˚C. At a drying time of 2 hours 30 minutes moisture content of maize reduced from 23.25 % (wb) to 13.61 % (wb) which resulted in a drying rate and moisture extractive rate and drying efficiency of 3.85 %/h and 7.14, respectively. At 10cm drying depth, the experimental data were fitted into 10 thin-layer drying models to examine the drying kinetics of the maize using the biomass powered inclined flat-bed dryer, and the characteristics of the models were analysed using the coefficient of determination (R2) and the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). The Two-Term model was best to describe the thin-layer drying kinetics of the maize in the dryer as it showed a better fit (R2 = 0.998 and RMSE = 0.00738) between the experimental and the predicted drying data. Germination test and stress-crack analysis of the dried maize grains showed that the dryer did not greatly affect the quality of the maize. Analysis of the test revealed that, the dried maize was viable as the results showed a germination percentage of 80 % for the dried maize and 93.33 % for the undried maize (control); no-crack percentage of 71.33 % for dried maize and 97.67 % for the undried maize. However, the t-test showed that the samples groups were statistically different as both the germination and stress-crack analysis recorded p-value of p=0.00. Cost-benefit analysis was conducted to evaluate the economic feasibility of the dryer for smallholder farmers. The findings show that it would cost a farmer GH₵ 15,000 ($2,000) to purchase the drying system, and GH₵ 4297.58 ($573.01) to operate the dryer in a year. For a drying charge of GH₵ 18 ($ 2.4) per bag of maize, the investment cost could be regained in a Pay Back Period of 2.36 years, and a Benefit-Cost Ratio of 1.33, indicating an appreciably profitable investment. For 10 years dryer utilization, the analysis shows a Net Present Value of GH₵ 9,851.1 ($1,313.48) and an Internal Rate of Return 44 %, greater than the present interest of 24 %, implying a desirable investment. The findings show that the adoption of the dryer could reduce postharvest loss of maize which amounts to GH₵ 34,560 ($4,608) in monetary value at an estimated 15 % postharvest loss per an estimated major harvest season maize production of 48,054.43 tonnes. The operations of the drying services in the area could provide 834 direct jobs in the study area.
Poster ID: 2225
Title: A Multi-criteria ranking of agricultural technologies for increased adoption in low-income countries
Author: Hory B. Chikez, Dirk E. Maier, and Steve Sonka | Iowa State University | horych@iastate.edu
Abstract:
Numerous studies have identified postharvest technologies associated with minimal Postharvest loss (PHL) in sub-Saharan African countries. However, studies have also documented that the adoption of such PHL mitigation technologies remains relatively low among smallholder farmers in those countries. In this study, we hypothesize that postharvest loss reduction alone is not a sufficient criterion for increased and sustained adoption of postharvest technologies by smallholder farmers. To prove our hypothesis, we evaluate PHL mitigation technologies based on three sustainability criteria, and six sub-criteria, namely, global warming, capital and operating costs, lifespan, local availability, awareness, and ease. A Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis is used as a guide to determine the most sustainable technology in three commodity value chains, namely, maize, mango, and tomato. Since all value chains are made up of interrelated value chain actors, the determination of the most sustainable technology will heed the perspective of various key value chain actors, namely, technology or input suppliers, smallholder farmers, off-takers, as well as policymakers.
Poster ID: 2226
Title: Addressing the challenges of small-scale cassava processors through improved technology adoption
Author: Francis Amoah | KNUST | famoah2020@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Mechanisation of key operations in cassava processing activities has been identified as a means of increasing production, reducing postharvest losses as well as saving time. This study sought to assess the need for adoption of interventions to address challenges encountered during processing of cassava into a local staple known as gari (roasted fermented cassava grits). Cassava processors in selected parts of Ashanti and Bono East regions of Ghana were involved in the study. Focus group discussions and semi-structured questionnaires were employed for data collection. Results show that the main technological interventions used by small-scale processors in gari production are the grating machine and screw press. It was however, noted that other key areas that require interventions are peeling and roasting. All the processors interviewed use manual means for cassava peeling and it was identified as the operation that requires the highest number of persons (15-18 people), to peel about 5-6 tonnes of cassava using about 6-9 hours. The process of manual peeling was identified as the main source of postharvest loss during small-scale processing of gari, resulting in about 13.90 (±1.26) % loss of fresh cassava which can produce about 178 kg of gari (from 5-6 tonnes of cassava). An effective mechanical peeler is therefore identified as key to facilitate gari processing in terms of operation speed and eliminating the over-dependence on manual labour. Other important developed interventions like mechanical roasters and improved stoves are also recommended to enhance gari processing. Outcome from this study is useful to researchers, investors, processors, policy makers and other stakeholders on the specific aspects of the gari processing to focus on in terms of research and investment.
Poster ID: 2229
Title: Evaluation of methods to extend shelf life of mangoes for small scale farmers
Author: Esther Aba Essel | KNUST | ewurabar@gmail.com
Abstract:
Some methods for postharvest preservation of mango fruit were studied. The mechanisms assessed included physical, biological, chemical and technological approaches. Studies have shown that mango is highly perishable and has short shelf life of 4 – 8 days during storage at ambient conditions and 2- 3 weeks during low temperature storage at 13℃. Temperature control is one of the critical factors for shelf-life extension of mango fruits. Therefore, any process aimed at reducing temperature is of significance. This study is a review of the different mechanisms deployed for extending the shelf life of mangoes. Among these practices are postharvest practices such as pre-cooling to remove field heat, sorting to remove diseased, bruised and blemished fruits from unripe fruits; sanitizing with hot water, chlorine and acetic acid to disinfect the fruit; packing with cushioning pads to prevent bruising, and modified atmosphere packaging to delay ripening and other biochemical reactions. Pre-cooling of mangoes can be done by sprinkling chilled water on the fruits referred to as hydro-cooling or room cooling where the fruit is packed in a cold room and cold air flows around them. One energy saving method of storage is the use of zero energy brick cooler which operates on the principle of evaporative cooling where temperature in the chamber is reduced as cool air passes over the chamber and removes latent heat thereby reducing the temperature by 10 -15℃ and increasing humidity to 90 – 95 %. Chemical methods that could be applied by small scale farmers include coating of mangoes with calcium chloride which inhibits activity of enzyme responsible for tissue breakdown and delays ripening. Waxing could also be applied to mango fruits to minimize water loss and maintain freshness and appearance of the fruit. The Coolbot Technology has also been used successfully in Ghana to cool temperature of fruits in the storage room to its optimal temperature depending on the fruit. It is able to reduce temperatures lower than 18℃. In conclusion, these methods could be applied by small scale farmers to extend the shelf life of mangoes.
Poster ID: 2230
Title: Optimization of processing parameters in the production of mango flakes
Author: Mwarome Jumbale, M.W. Okoth, George Ooko Abong’, Jane Ambuko, Duke Gekonge | University of Nairobi | alimwarome@gmail.com
Abstract:
Mango fruit (Mangifera indica L.) is one of the tropical fruits which are produced in large volumes in Kenya. However, postharvest losses has been one of the bottlenecks in maximization of the fruit’s economic and nutritional potential. Transformation of the perishable fruit into shelf-stable nutritious products is one of the interventions that can be used to reduce losses while accruing better returns for farmers. The objective of this study was to determine the optimum processing parameters in the production of consumer-acceptable mango flakes. Mango flakes were developed from two mango varieties; ngowe, and apple through drum drying. Upon pulping of the obtained mangoes and pasteurization of the pulp, formulations were made from varied ratios of starch, sugar, and mango pulp. Fifteen treatments were obtained using sugar variations of 0%, 2%, and 4%, and starch at 0%, 10%, and 20%. Process variables were determined by varying pressure of steam (0.8 BAR, and 1.6 BAR) and speed of drum drying (2.2 rpm and 7.6 rpm). Sensory analysis was done using a 7-pointer hedonic scale while physicochemical, and proximate lab analysis was done using predetermined AOAC procedures. Results indicated that formulations that were incorporated with 20% starch, 0% sugar, and dried at 7.57 rpm for 5 minutes and 2 seconds at a constant gauge pressure of 0.8 BAR were the most preferred with a mean overall score of 5.79. Homogeneity of variances was observed between different formulations for overall acceptability (P=0.192). The predictive model of the Central Composite Design stipulated that an increase in sugar concentration reduces the sensory quality of drum-dried mango flakes. Nutritional profile of the most acceptable mango flakes was a composite of 1.9g/100g, 2.8g/100g, 0.9g/100g, and 0.5g/100g for carbohydrates, vitamin C, crude protein, and crude fat, respectively. A significant difference was observed between values for protein and vitamin C (P=0.002). In conclusion, the organoleptic acceptability and nutritional profiles of drum-dried mango flakes were affected by the time: pressure exposure of the puree as well as the product ratios of ingredients.
Poster ID: 2231
Title: Utilization of Moringa leaf extract for micronutrient enrichment of mango nectar
Author: Mbusa sikwaya, George Ooko Abong’, Jane Ambuko, Duke Gekonge | University of Nairobi | mbusasikwaya2@gmail.com
Abstract:
Kenya is Africa’s third largest mango producer, with output that tripling from 254,113 to 772,700 tons between 2005 and 2017. Mango is a seasonal and perishable tropical fruit that are subject to substantial postharvest losses. Postharvest losses for mango fruits in Kenya have been estimated to be as high as 40-50% 0f mango output. Mango fruit waste translate to lost income for farmers and increases waste management cost and contribute to greenhouse gas emission, estimated to be 0.46kg Co2 /kg of mango fruit due to lack of processing and marketing facilities. Processing the perishable fruit into shelf stable products such as mango nectar is one of the solutions to address the problem. Although the standard mango nectar is rich in vitamins (C, provitamin A, B complex) and minerals (calcium, potassium), it is relatively deficient in important micronutrient such as zinc, iron and phytochemical (flavanol and phenolics). However, moringa leaves are rich in micronutrient (iron, zinc, calcium, potassium…) and another beneficial antioxidant (vit A, Vit C, Flavanol and phenolics). To address the nutrient deficiencies in the standard mango nectar, it can be enriched naturally by blending it with moringa leaf extract. The object of this current study was to develop acceptable mango nectar blended with moringa leaf extract. Mango-moringa nectar was prepared from Apple mango and moringa leaf extract. Mango nectar was developed from 25% mango pulp and mixed with Moringa at different levels (0, 7.5; 10; 12.5; 15 and 17.5% of moringa leaf extract, respectively F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, and F6). The developed nectar was pasteurized at 70°C for 10 minutes before being filled hot at 55°C. Using a 9-point hedonic scale on untrained panelists (28), F1 (control), F2, F3, F4, F5, and F6 were subjected to sensory evaluation to determine the best most acceptable blending ratio on appearance, aroma, taste, texture, mouth feel, and overall acceptability. F1 and F4 were accepted by all panelists. The most acceptable products were physicochemical assessed for vitamin A, C, calcium, iron, flavanol, phenolics, and zinc. When the nutritional content of the standard nectar and the blended mango-moringa nectar were compared, the latter had higher levels of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, flavonoids, phenols, and zinc: 19.01 and 18.66 mg/100ml; 94.8 and 57.6 mg/100ml; 19.2 and 6 mg/100ml; 15.7 and 7 mg/100ml; 15.9 and 5 mg/100ml; 22.7 and 4.3 mg/100ml; and 8.2 and 5.7 mg/100ml, respectively, making it a superior and more nutritious drink that can improve vitamin A, iron, and zinc consumption. As a result, it is recommended for children and other socially vulnerable groups.