Resource Library

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.

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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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Exploration of Avocado Oil Extraction Methods and Potential in Rural Tanzania

  • Student Papers

This project is a continuation of a challenge first explored at IDDS 2014 in Tanzania—the fact that excess avocado crops often go to waste in rural villages in East Africa. Its authors visited Tanzania to explore avocado oil extraction methods and market potential for avocado oil. 

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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. 

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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.

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Design of an Absorbent and Comfortable Sanitary Napkin for Applications in Developing Countries

  • Student Papers

This study looks at solutions to menstrual hygiene from a materials perspective, assessing available materials for the properties needed for a good napkin, and reviewing the literature for comparison between these and other materials. 

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