ABSTRACT

 The unmechanized slicing of root and tuber vegetables in the agricultural and food processing industries of developing countries are often unsafe, labor-intensive, and inefficient. The design and fabrication of a multi-crop slicing machine that aims to improve the safety and productivity of smallholders and medium-sized local processors was achieved in this study. Pugh’s total design methodology including a weighted factor selection matrix, CAD & CAE tools, and analytical methods was utilized in the design. The fabricated prototype features a 2 hp 900rpm electric motor as the prime mover, suitable for use in rural and urban areas where electricity supply is available but can be adjusted to use engines as energy source in rural areas where electricity supply is unavailable. The prototype was fabricated using locally sourced materials and tested postfabrication. However, due to budget constraints, comprehensive and structured performance evaluation across different crops was not achieved during this study. The recommendations proposed thereafter are geared towards guiding the rigorous determination of the machines performance and future enhancement possibilities.