Sustainable Food Drying Techniques in Developing Countries: Prospects and Challenges

This book provides a comprehensive review of renewable energy-based sustainable drying techniques for developing countries, discussing energy efficiency, food waste scenarios, socio-economic conditions, quality aspects, and selecting techniques. It analyzes renewable and non-renewable energy resources and highlights available drying technologies. The book recommends ten sustainable drying technologies and discusses potential challenges for adoption. It aims to reduce food waste and improve food security in developing countries.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 189 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book presents a comprehensive review of renewable energy-based sustainable drying techniques for developing countries. Aspiring towards a world with zero food waste, the book has provided discussion on sustainable drying techniques in terms of energy efficiency. The socio-economic condition of each developing country is unique; therefore, it has specific technological requirements. As such, the book presents discussions on food waste scenario around the world, the socio-economic status of developing countries and their correlation with food. The book gives an overview of the quality aspects of drying, along with the required energy and time to retain these features. Additionally, a method of selecting drying techniques for developing countries, taking the cost and safety factor into consideration, has been discussed extensively. Also, the renewable and non-renewable energy resources of low-income, lower-middle income, middle income, and high-income developing countries have been analyzed and presented. The book also highlights the available drying techniques that are currently being practiced by the consumers and industries of developing countries. The book recommends ten sustainable drying technologies for the developing countries and describes their working principle. Discussion on potential challenges for sustainable drying technology adoption is also presented. The book presents up-to-date research on sustainable drying techniques and their impact on developing countries to reduce food waste.

Food waste is not only a humanitarian concern but also a threat to environmental sustainability. Currently, one-third of all produced food is being wasted, when nearly 805 million people - including children remain undernourished on a daily basis. In an effort to solve this problem, sustainable drying techniques have emerged as a promising solution. These techniques aim to reduce food waste by preserving the quality and nutritional value of food products while minimizing energy consumption and environmental impact.

Sustainable drying techniques can be classified into two main categories: solar drying and thermal drying. Solar drying involves using the sun's energy to dry food products, while thermal drying involves using heat from sources such as electricity, gas, or biomass. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method depends on the specific requirements of the drying process, the availability of resources, and the socio-economic conditions of the developing country.

Solar drying is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method of drying food products. It is particularly suitable for developing countries where the sun is abundant and the cost of energy is high. Solar dryers can be used to dry a wide range of food products, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. However, solar drying requires a significant amount of space and can be slow, especially during cloudy or rainy weather.

Thermal drying, on the other hand, is a faster and more efficient method of drying food products. It can be used to dry a wide range of food products, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. Thermal drying can be done using a variety of heating sources, including electricity, gas, biomass, and solar energy. However, thermal drying requires a significant amount of energy and can be expensive, especially in areas where energy is scarce or expensive.

In addition to the choice of drying method, sustainable drying techniques also involve the use of appropriate packaging materials and storage practices. Proper packaging materials can help to reduce food waste by protecting food products from damage and spoilage during transportation and storage. Storage practices can also help to reduce food waste by ensuring that food products are stored at the appropriate temperature and humidity to prevent spoilage.

One of the challenges facing sustainable drying technology adoption in developing countries is the lack of infrastructure and resources. Many developing countries lack access to reliable electricity and clean water, which are essential for the operation of solar and thermal drying systems. Additionally, the cost of installing and maintaining these systems can be prohibitively expensive, especially for small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs.

To address these challenges, there are several initiatives underway to promote sustainable drying technology adoption in developing countries. These initiatives include the development of low-cost and portable solar and thermal drying systems, the provision of training and education programs to farmers and entrepreneurs, and the promotion of government policies and incentives that support sustainable drying technology adoption.

In conclusion, sustainable drying techniques have the potential to revolutionize the way that food is dried in developing countries. By reducing food waste and improving the quality and nutritional value of food products, these techniques can help to address the global problem of food insecurity and malnutrition. However, sustainable drying technology adoption in developing countries requires a combination of infrastructure development, training and education programs, and government support. By working together, we can create a world where no one goes to bed hungry and where food waste is minimized.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030424787
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020