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This study aimed to develop an affordable mechanized solution to address this challenge.A coconut dehusking machine prototype was designed, fabricated, and tested. It consists of a rigid steel frame, two counter- rotating cylindrical drums fitted with spikes, an electric motor, a V-belt drive system, and a control panel. Components were sized through structural and mechanical calculations. Fabrication utilized locally sourced materials within a 250,000 NGN budget.Testing showed the machine achieving 90% dehusking efficiency at 120 nuts/hour. Operational costs are minimized through a 1.5HP electric motor. Finite element analysis verified the structural integrity of machine components under operational loads.Results indicate the objectives of developing an affordable and efficient mechanized solution were achieved. Widespread adoption has the prospect of enhancing coconut farming viability, boosting rural livelihoods, and promoting agro- industrialization in Nigeria through coconut value addition. This study demonstrates how appropriately designed technology can support sustainable agricultural development in resource-constrained communities.
Onyenanu et al. (2024) studied this question.