Abstract

The Rural Industries Innovation Centre (RIIC) dehullers have been placed with various cooperatives, rural development agencies and entrepreneurs throughout Botswana. Policymakers in Botswana are very satisfied with the positive impact of the dehuller on the processing of locally grown grains and food legumes in Botswana. The RIIC, through its parent organization Rural Industries Promotions (RIP) has proposed a technical follow-up of the dehuller now in operation in Botswana, in order to generate an optimal design and improved manufacturing procedures. The objectives of this project are to redesign the production model for the dehuller system and produce a full set of revised engineering drawings; make necessary improvements on the existing dehulling systems; and develop improved manufacturing procedures and quality control standards for the dehuller. A short refresher course for present mill operators will be conducted.

Post-Project Summary

In this phase, evaluation of dehuller performance and correction of production, design and installation flaws continued. Technical equipment problems were identified. An improved prototype was designed and tested and existing dehullers were upgraded. Other changes such as flour dust control techniques, altered floor layouts, and use of electric motors were incorporated in some milling systems. Two spare parts depots were also set up in Kanye and Palapye. The Botswana Mill Owner's Association (BMOA) was formed and it recommended that the Rural Industries Innovations Centre (RIIC) prepare an equipment service contract for use by all mill owners. Researchers recommended that further study be directed at the use of electric motors and follow-ups of system monitoring. Work undertaken to date has resulted in the successful operation of 21 small-scale milling systems throughout the country, incorporating 36 built-in-Botswana dehullers. Research was carried to a fourth phase.

Recipient Institution(s)