Solar dryers

People have always needed to keep a sufficient quantity of one year's harvest to ensure adequate food supplies until the next harvest is in. Solar drying is the oldest method for preserving food and despite the development of other techniques, it remains the most widely used method in the Third World. It is also the best adapted to the needs of small farmers and to most of the agro-food industries in Third World countries. Solar drying not only demands little capital and equipment, but also helps to conserve fuelwood. The London-based Commonwealth Science Council (CSC) and the Tropical Development and Research Institute (TDRI) in conjunction with the Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania, have just published a book in English entitled: 'Solar dryers, their role in post-harvest processing'. This publication includes an introduction to the background of solar drying and the characteristics of the main types of dryers by describing in detail the construction and operation of three of the most popular systems. It follows the accepted approaches in experimental methodology and the evolution of technology. Practical examples are also included. This book has a very high technical standard and concludes with a detailed bibliography and numerous annexes. Available at £ 7 50 sterling from: The Commonwealth Secretariat Marlborough House London SWIY 5HX UK.'Solar dryers, their role in post-harvest processing