At IDIN, we’re all about learning, especially when it’s hands-on. Here we’ve compiled some of our favorite resources, many of which are used at our trainings and summits around the world.
Resource Library
Performance Evaluation of a Cassava Peeler
- Student Papers
This dissertation by KNUST student Priscilla Mensah evaluates the performance of a cassava peeler developed in a Creative Capacity Building training in Adansi, Ghana. The peeler was evaluated on throughput capacity, efficiency, and safety compared to the traditional method.
Design, Construction, and Testing of a Briquetting Machine
- Student Papers
This paper explores the design, construction, and testing of a briquetting machine produced for rural communities in Ghana. In Ghana, biomass is the most dominant source of energy and is used significantly for cooking and other heat applications.
Bee Pollen Dehydrator
- Student Papers
In Colombia, bee pollen farmers collect 30-40 kg of bee pollen per week, but endeavor to improve storage and preservation methods. This report explores the design and development of a bee pollen dryer in Colombia by a student at UC Davis.
Performance Evaluation of a Cocoa Pod Splitter
- Student Papers
This dissertation by KNUST student Daniel Owusu evaluates the performance of a steel cocoa pod splitter originaly developed in a Creative Capacity Building training at Fomena in Ghana. It was evaluated on the parameters of splitting rate, percentage of beans damaged, and the force required to break one pod compared to the traditional method of using cutlass.
Standardization of the Grating Surface of Cassava Graters
- Student Papers
This paper explores an effort to standardize the design of a cassava grating surface to improve efficiency and ensure interchangeability. The author surveyed cassava grating surfaces on the Ghanaian market to understand current technical specifications and then create a new, improved grating surfaces using locally available materials.
An Analysis of Zambian Cast Aluminum Pots
- Student Papers
This paper continues the previous research of the authors, in which structural failures of aluminum pots cast by Zambian businesses were evaluated. The authors then explored how local practices can be improved to prevent common use failures.
Assessment of the Physical and Combustion Properties of Briquettes Produced from Dried Coconut Husk
- Student Papers
This dissertation by KNUST student Gloria Baaba Aboagye investigates the potential of using charcoal briquettes produced from dried coconut husk as an alternative source of biomass fuel. The briquettes were evaluated along several physical and combustion properties, including calorific value, thermal efficiency, and emissions compared to traditional charcoal.
Design, Construction, and Testing of a Mango Juice Extractor
- Student Papers
This paper details the design, construction, and testing of a mango juice extractor built to minimize post-harvest food loss in mango crops in Ghana and other mango-producing countries.
Standardisation of the Grating Surface of Cassava Graters for Gari
- Student Papers
This paper continues the previous research of the author, in which the author surveyed cassava grating surfaces on the Ghanian market. The author designed and tested three new grating surfaces to improve efficiency and ensure interchangeability of the cassava graters.
Performance Evaluation of a Peanut Planter
- Student Papers
This dissertation by KNUST student Francis Achaab evaluates the performance of a precision peanut planter developed at a Creative Capacity Building training in New Longoro, Ghana. The planter was evaluated on the parameters of planting depth, field capacity, field efficiency and rates of seed damage.



