Design of geothermal dryers for food products in Tanzania

Abstract

Around 80% of the self-employed people in Tanzania are working in the agricultural sector including livestock keeping and fisheries. A wide variety of crops (vegetable, fruits and grains) and animal products are produced in the country but with great potential for further expansion. Processing food using renewable energy might be a cheaper option compared to oil or gas which are too expensive to be afforded by small farmers managing 2 to 10 acres and would contribute to the protection of the country from environmental pollution. Geothermal heat is one of the energy resources available in Tanzania and it is not yet being fully utilised as it is also the case for the biomass, hydro, solar, uranium, natural gas and coal. : It is advantageous to use this energy resource for drying raw materials from agriculture and fisheries because it prevents food from being damaged in the value chain before it reaches consumers.. Several studies have been conducted and highlighted the causes for the losses, some of which are also highlighted in the present study. With the result of this study are the design of two sets of the geothermal dryers, drying two food products commonly available in the country that differ in water activity, moisture content and drying processes. The results support the country’s Development Vision 2025 of moving from a developing into middle income country and support the SDG goal of the United nations (UN) to reduce food waste and loss by 50% worldwide by 2030.