Browsing by Author "Komakech, A. J."

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    Investigating the effect of different loading densities on selected properties of dried coffee using a GHE dryer
    (Agric Eng Int: CIGR Journal, 2013) Menya, E.; Komakech, A. J.
    Despite coffee being one of the leading cash crops in Uganda contributing 20%-30% of the total export earnings, it is mainly dried on bare earth surfaces hence its drastic decline in quality. A possible alternative solution is utilization of the greenhouse effect (GHE) solar dryer. This research was aimed at investigating the effect of different loading densities on selected properties of dried coffee using a GHE dryer that was designed and constructed at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK). The research involved determining the drying time for the loading densities of 5, 10 and 20 kg m-2 as well as analyzing the coffee quality at the end of the drying period. Three experimental runs were set up in the months of June and July which experienced average ambient temperature of 23.28 (±2.33)oC and average dryer temperature of 35.68 (±13.85)oC. The average drying time for the freshly harvested Robusta coffee at 61.3 (±1.36)% wb was 10 days for 5 kg m-2, 11 days for 10 kg m-2 and 12 days for 20 kg m-2. The loading of 20 kg m-2 resulted into an even roast with fair+ for body and flavour, while 5 and 10 kg m-2 loadings resulted into a silver skin roast with fair body and flavour. For this particular research, the loading density of 20 kg m-2 yielded the best results from the coffee quality analysis. The loading densities of 5 kg m-2 and 10 kg m-2 could not yield best results due to case hardening of the outer surfaces of the coffee beans which compromised the body and flavour of the coffee.
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    Profiling agricultural engineering technologies for mechanizing smallholder agriculture in Uganda
    (Agricultural Engineering International: CIGR Journal, 2016) Wanyama, J.; Banadda, N.; Kiyimba, F.; Okurut, S.; Zziwa, A.; Kabenge, I.; Mutumba, C.; Tumutegyereize, P.; Komakech, A. J.; Kiggundu, N.
    Developing countries are grappling with numerous challenges including feeding rapidly growing populations, alleviating poverty, protecting the environment, and mitigating adverse impacts of climate change. For the coming years, one of the main agricultural development agenda for Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) should be to increase agricultural productivity and production to achieve food security through agricultural mechanization with Agricultural Engineering Technologies (AETs) as major inputs. However, there is paucity of information on the status of existing AETs and their contribution to mechanizing smallholder agriculture which is crucial to effective planning and strategy formulation. Therefore, the overarching objective of this paper is to review the past and present status, the constraints to adoption and future of AETs in Uganda in the context of mechanizing smallholder agriculture. Several proven AETs developed through research institutions and universities have been profiled in different areas of farm power and mechanization systems, agro-processing for value addition; renewable energy systems; and water harnessing and utilization. Availability and prudent use of these AETs along the value chain has the potential to enhance labor use and efficiency, provide greater precision and timeliness in farm operations, reduce postharvest loses, contributing to adding value to products and profitability of farming through proper handling, drying, cleaning, grading, processing, preservation, packaging and storage. The future of AETs in Uganda is hinged on addressing the aspects on appropriateness of the AETs in the smallholder agriculture context and standardizing of AET. Furthermore, human resource capacity development through enhancement of technical skills in AE, increased private sector engagement, economic incentives and innovation protection should be an integral part of the future strategies for development and increased adoption of AETs.