Development and Output Power Assessment of a Gasoline-Driven Cassava Peeling Machine for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises

Cassava is one of the major staple crops in tropical regions, yet its processing is limited by the labor-intensive and inefficient manual peeling procedures traditionally employed.. This research focuses on the development and output power assessment of a gasoline-driven cassava peeling machine designed for Small and Medium Scales Enterprises. The machine integrates a mechanical peeling chamber with abrasive rollers, a feeding mechanism, and a gasoline-powered driven system to ensure continuous and high operation throughout. Design considerations included ergonomic safety, durability, ease of operation, simple maintenance, and adaptability to varying tuber sizes. Performance evaluation was conducted to determine peeling efficiency, throughput capacity, and output power requirements under different operating conditions. Results indicated that the machine achieved a peeling efficiency above 85%, with minimal tuber damage and a consistent output power profile suitable for small and medium scales cassava processing. The gasoline-driven configuration ensures reliability in regions with limited access to electricity, making the machine pragmatic for rural and semi-urban agro-processing and agro-prenureship. This innovation contributes to improved cassava processing efficiency, reduced labor costs, and enhanced food security through mechanization.