A Tanzanian researcher , Prof. Thomas Kivevele at The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) is exploring developing energy-efficient and environmentally friendly technology for drying agricultural products to reduce post-harvest losses.The technology will ensure food security, and improve income to farmers while reducing environmental degradation and greenhouse gas emissions.
He is currently undertaking the research under the African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence (ARISE), which is an innovative research and innovation (R&I) support programme of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), implemented by the AAS in partnership with the African Union (AU) and the European Commission (EU). Founded on the AU-EU High-Level Policy Dialogue on Science, Technology, and Innovation, ARISE provides a vibrant platform and pathway for R&I exchanges in contribution to sustainable and inclusive development, economic growth, and job creation.
Launched in December 2020 with an initial funding support of €25 million from the European Union, the current pilot phase of ARISE supports nearly 600 early to mid-career researchers across Africa, led by 47 principal investigators, hosted in 38 African countries.
The African Academy of Sciences (The AAS) is a non-aligned, non-political, not-for-profit pan African organisation whose vision is to see transformed lives on the African continent through science.
Its tripartite mandate is recognising excellence through The AAS’ highly prestigious fellowship and award schemes, providing advisory and think tank functions for shaping Africa’s Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) strategies and policies and implementing key Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) programmes addressing Africa’s developmental challenges.
In this interview with Orton Kiishweko, the researcher, Prof. Thomas Kivevele discusses his research on the challenges of post-harvesting loss and how his innovation seeks to overturn this.
Currently, for cereals and for perishable crops such as fruits and vegetable contribute to food shortages, malnutrition and poverty in Africa. The agricultural produce is wasted not only due to lack of storage and processing facilities, but also due to limited knowledge of processing technologies. Proper drying technologies can reduce post-harvest losses, improve food quality and eradicate poverty. Prof. Kivevele’s research is investigating thermal and drying performance of a novel solar-biogas hybrid dryer; an eco-friendly drying technology.
INTERVIEW
1) What do you lecture at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology in Tanzania?
I teach energy related subjects, particularly, renewable energy technology, passive solar energy technologies, energy management and auditing, and solar energy systems for buildings and cities
2) In a national context, what broader role can the School of Materials, Energy, Water, and Environmental Sciences (MEWES) at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology in Tanzania play in advancing energy transition at the national level?
In a national context, the school of MEWES can significantly contribute to Tanzania’s energy transition. This can be achieved by leading advanced research in renewable energy technologies, energy storage systems, and efficient energy use. MEWES can address energy-related challenges in the country by exploring modern solutions such as solar dryers, solar photovoltaics, and wind energy. Their research efforts could also focus on reducing the costs associated with renewable energy technologies, making these solutions more accessible to communities and effectively tackling existing energy use problems.
Additionally, MEWES can drive the development of innovative technologies that support this energy transition through its interdisciplinary approach. This includes enhancing the performance of renewable energy systems, developing sustainable energy infrastructure, and improving energy efficiency across various sectors, including agriculture, industry, and transportation. By partnering with industry, MEWES can help scale up the deployment of these technologies, thereby accelerating the shift toward clean energy and improving sectorial performance.
Furthermore, MEWES plays a crucial role in community engagement by raising awareness and educating local communities about renewable energy and energy conservation. Through pilot projects in both rural and urban settings, they can showcase the long-term economic and environmental benefits of transitioning to sustainable energy sources.
3) Can you give us some in-depth explanation on the ARISE programme which you are part of and how you are benefiting as a researcher?
The ARISE Programme (African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence) is an initiative aimed at supporting and promoting scientific research in Africa by providing funding and training opportunities for early- to mid-career researchers across the continent. The programme is funded by the European Union (EU) and coordinated by the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) and the African Union (AU). The Programme was established to foster scientific excellence in Africa by supporting talented researchers to pursue their innovative projects.
Through the ARISE programme, I have received extensive support in technical, economic, and social aspects to develop a prototype of an innovative solar-biogas hybrid dryer to dry agricultural products. The programme has not only provided financial support to help me develop, test, and disseminate my scientific solutions to targeted beneficiaries but also offers a platform for scientific exchange among African researchers. It fosters collaboration, technical skill development, and social networking, all of which are crucial for addressing regional and global socio-economic challenges.
4) As a researcher, we understand you are exploring developing energy-efficient and environmentally friendly technology for drying agricultural products to reduce post-harvest losses, tell us about that.
My current research project, conducted under the ARISE programme, focuses on developing a prototype of an innovative solar-biogas hybrid dryer. This dryer uses heated air from solar collectors and combusted biogas to dry agricultural products. Both energy sources are renewable, and materials are locally available making innovation sustainable from technical, economic, social, and environmental perspectives. The biogas serves as a backup energy source and is activated when there is low or no solar radiation to ensure a continuous drying process. The dryer provides a uniform and consistent heat supply in the drying chamber, hence enabling, faster drying of agricultural products in a hygienic and high-quality manner. This is unlike the traditional open sun drying which solely depends on solar radiation and uncontrolled temperature, often leading to low-quality dried products that negatively impact farmers’ economic gains.
5) How will your technology ensure food security and improve farmers’ income?
Drying technologies, particularly solar drying, are cost-effective solutions for post-harvest management and play a crucial role in enhancing global food security. Africa, with its abundant solar radiation, has great potential to leverage this renewable energy source for sustainable post-harvest practices. However, passive solar dryers which are commonly used face several limitations. To overcome these challenges, the development of a solar-biogas hybrid dryer provides a continuous drying process, improving both drying efficiency and product quality. This innovative technology can substantially reduce Africa’s alarming post-harvest loss (PHL), which currently stands at around 50%. Effective management of PHL in the region can not only boost the global food supply but also increase incomes for smallholder farmers who dominate the agricultural sector.
6) On the point of sustainability, please explain how your solution will reduce environmental degradation and greenhouse gas emissions.
The developed solar-biogas hybrid dryer is considered an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly technology for managing agricultural products after harvest. This solution uses renewable energy sources like solar energy and biogas, which produce low greenhouse gas emissions. By utilizing these energy sources, the solution minimizes waste and pollution, while reducing dependency on non-renewable energy sources such as fossil fuels, which are associated with high carbon emissions and environmental pollution. From a social and economic perspective, the innovation uses locally available materials, leading to lower development costs, and can be used inclusively in off-grid areas for post-harvest management.
7) Is your solution scalable? Please explain
Certainly. The solution is well-suited for scaling, as it leverages local expertise and readily available resources in its design and development. Scaling efforts can be driven by focusing on local capacity-building, forming strategic partnerships, and improving access to financing, enabling it to become a widespread and impactful solution to post-harvest management challenges across various regions.
8) Currently, Tanzania is on a journey towards ensuring it substantially moves towards cleaner energy by 2030. What role can Tanzanian researchers play in this vision?
Tanzanian researchers have an important role to play in the country’s transition to cleaner energy by 2030. Firstly, they can source financial support from local and global communities/partners to innovate and develop renewable energy technologies tailored to Tanzania’s specific environmental conditions. Furthermore, researchers can provide training and education, ensuring a skilled workforce that can effectively implement and manage these clean energy solutions.
Also, the country’s researchers can be involved in policy formulation and improvement through evidence-based research on cleaner energy technologies and their potential in the country. Moreover, their collaboration with government, industry, and local communities can help pilot clean energy projects, promote grassroots adoption, and ensure the commercial viability of innovative solutions in the country.