Design and Construction of a Solar Powered Silver - Fish Dryer for Enhancing Food Security and Economic Livelihoods of Fishing Communities in East Africa

The aim of this study was to design and construct a solar-powered silver-fish dryer that would help reduce the post-harvest losses experienced by fishing communities in East Africa. The system was developed with the goal of promoting food security, improving preservation methods, and enhancing the quality of dried silver-fish. The construction process involved welding, wiring, and soldering various materials, with the trays made from wood and metallic meshes measuring 37 cm by 33 cm. The fabricated cover was also made of wood and measured 47 cm by 63 cm. Three 100-watt bulbs were utilized as heaters, while a CM 3024Z charge controller was connected to a 20W solar panel to manage energy flow. The system was successfully designed and constructed as planned. The direct current (DC) supplied to the dryer was 12 volts. The temperature sensor operated at 5 volts, the heater at 120 volts, and the fan at 12 volts. The charge controller regulated the solar panel’s energy supply to the battery, and the inverter converted the direct current to alternating current (AC) to power both the fan and the heater, thereby minimizing energy losses. The dryer system ensures continuous drying, regardless of weather conditions, by efficiently harnessing solar energy to power the heating system. This results in improved cleanliness, reliability, and the ability to dry large quantities of silverfish effectively. The solar-powered silver-fish dryer designed and constructed in this study proves to be an effective solution for addressing post-harvest losses in East Africa's fishing communities. The system's integration of solar energy, combined with an efficient drying mechanism, ensures continuous operation regardless of weather conditions, thereby improving reliability and preserving the quality of the dried fish.