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4.3. Socio-economic dimension of sun-drying technology applied to food
- Nena R. Bustrillos
SUMMARY
This paper discusses consideration for socio-economic variables in the introduction of improvement in sundrying technology especially associated with foods in the context of a production-consumption system. The author calls for the close study of process and tools of the traditional method, the nutritional contribution of dried foods to the diet and the social process at work, keeping track of who are particularly involved.
Data on women's labour in food production and processing place them at a vantage point in assessing the suitability of technology to local needs, resources, and human demands, and justifies their participation in both the research and development phase as well as in technology transfer phase. Use of local labour and materials, simplicity of operation, ease in maintenance, and low cost as well as multiple uses make improved drying techniques -solar drier in particular- more readily acceptable.
Adoption of new drying technology by villagers depends not only on suitability of technology, but on promoters for technology. Essential are the knowledge and skills of promotors to guide villagers and their sensitivity to poor and illiterate needs as well as their ability to work with existing groups. Whether this organization would provide the future structure of the project depends on the ability to manage inputs towards objectives, to expand and to reach poor women. While technical skills have been developed through learning by doing management skills it remains a continuing gap of such groups.
Training depends on needs of various groups involved in the adoption process. Hence, training of artisans, food processors, promotors, managers, etc. will require different emphasis. Schemes of training have been mentioned combining problem solving and learning by doing what is correct. Constraints to poor women's access to training are recognized as revolving around length of training, timing, financial support for the family, care of children, place and unsuitable methods for the non-literate.
For improved drying to be elevated from household use to rural industry status for the poor, institutional measures that provide equity of access to land, credit, subsidy, price support would be essential. It is only through such measures that some guarantee of the active participation of the poor and disadvantaged women in running their own enterprise and benefitting from it is assured while food is conserved. This is the developmental goal that has to be achieved in a project of this kind.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC DIMENSION OF SUN-DRYING TECHNOLOGY
The elegance of any technology is in its application - its wider use to benefit those who are involved, especially the poor. Such application depends on the sensitivity of those in charge to the social, economic and institutional processes from the onset of a programme, both in the design and introduction of technologies. Such recognition shortens the period of research and development. This paper will deal with these processes with emphasis on small scale use of sun-drying.
There are hardly documented examples detailing socio-economic processes in sun-drying as a direct' indirect process or in combination with other methods. Such an analysis would require the items shown in Appendix I and is best done together with technological evaluation.
DRAING AS PART OF A PRODUCTION/CONSUMPTION SYSTEM
It is simpler to deal with sun-drying as a technical separate process but in reality it cannot be divorced from production as conditions of the raw material, location, storage and other variables are related. Moreover in the Africa setting' the production system of food crops is generally women's responsibility after planting which includes weeding' harvesting, transporting, storing, processing and marketing as shown in table 1 (1). Therefore, improvement/or revival of drying for increasing income might require increase in production and more work for rural households perhaps including men and women. In this case safeguards must be adopted so that time use is not increased and control over the production/processing system does not transfer to hands of men nor benefits be concentrated on men, as has occurred with cash crops. The reverse is the omission to consider it at all.
To illustrate it is worthwhile to consider the earlier attempts to introduce the newest short non-lodging variety of rice to small farmers in Laguna, Philippines. Farmers were jubilant as they watched the promise of healthy growth and the heading of rice plants Harvest came earlier and this doubled and tripled the usual harvest from the previous taller varieties. But the jubilation of farmers, however, was short-lived. The plentiful rice harvest could not be contained in the streets or on the few cemented pavements, in the plaza and the dry ground to dry Nor were there enough mats or the scarce plastic to use; not enough rice straw bags/sacks to contain the plentiful harvest; there was not even adequate labour to cope with the windfall: the stirring, the watching, sheltering, etc., even with the assistance of children who miss school and the men who traditionally leave the process to the women. And some living space had to be given up.
TABLE 1 - DIVISION OF LABOUR BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN IN RURAL AREAS OF AFRICA (% OF TOTAL LABOUR)
| Task | Men* | Women* |
| Land clearing | 95 | 5 |
| Turning the soil | 70 | 30 |
| Planting | 50 | 50 |
| Hoeing and weeding | 30 | 70 |
| Harvesting | 40 | 60 |
| Transporting crops from farm to home | 20 | 80 |
| Storing crops | 20 | 80 |
| Processing food crops | 10 | 90 |
| Marketing excess crops | 40 | 60 |
| Trimming tree crops | 90 | 10 |
| Carrying water and fuel | 10 | 90 |
| Caring for domestic animals | 50 | 50 |
| Hunting | 90 | 10 |
| Feeding and caring for children, men and the aged | 5 | 95 |
* With or without some help from children
Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, African Training and Research Centre for Women: Women of Africa: Today and tomorrow (Addis Ababa, 1975), p. 6
It is obvious that drying is a critical requirement of grain and other production systems and varietal introduction need to go further beyond pest control and irrigation. Technologists realize that various products requiring drying present different types of technical problems, associated both with nature of product, location, supply, labour and other social, economic and institutional problems, distribution of benefits included.
FOOD PATTERN, A BASE
Dried product development has to consider the current meal pattern, nutritional problems and regional differentiation. What are the major foods in the localities affected or the alternative when so needed - during particularly scarce season? Regional differentation of such food patterns, even within a country, have been documented in nutritional literature, especially to guide relief operation for disaster and may well be of use to those planning food projects (2). What is the role of dried foods within this pattern? In general, with grain-based meals - dried food forms the bulk of the family food; grains, lentils, fish and beans in many rural areas are prepared from dried products.
To some extent, in some countries, dried fruits and vegetables are used for soup and sauces although there is a preference for fresh fruits, vegetables, fish and meat. Ritual foods, condiments, and herbs are likewise dried. Moreover, can dried foods contribute to better weaning food for drought-stricken areas especially, to meals of the elderly, to reducing cooking time and fuel required for preparing and cooking. What are these foods? Home economists in the country can help assess such food patterns, how to improve these with dried and other foods and develop new ways of using such foods.
TRADITIONAL METHODS. SOURCE OF GUIDE TO METHODS
Traditional methods of sun-drying products have been practiced for centuries and applied to different products from the most perishable food to less perishable food. It is the simplest, most natural and least expensive method of preserving vegetables and fruits and has hardly changed. Generally food is strung on sticks or placed in open baskets, on mats or on roofs and left to dry in direct sunlight (3). Dried vegetables vary. In some places pickling food like cucumber is popular for drying, Cassava leaves (Maniho esculentum), sweet potato (Ipomea batatas), okra (Hibiscus esculentum) and other green edible leaves women collect in surplus are dried. In Zambia families differ in their methods; some blanch and add some salt while others just blanch; still others do not blanch (3). Sundrying includes not only the process of dehydration itself but also the pre-processing techniques and storage.
Knowledge of details of this whole process, materials and tools used, who does it for how long, and how stored, would provide a base for improvement and comparative data later. Important considerations are the quality and quantity of raw material, storage and the effect on nutritive value and palatability. Traditional techniques of direct sun and shade drying of fruits and vegetables as practiced in Kenya, for example, result in excessive losses of micro-nutrients, especially Vitamin C and carotene. Pre-processing techniques of blanching before solar drying resulted in better nutrient retention, especially carotene, better palatability and appearance when done under laboratory conditions (4).
MARKETABILITY OF PRODUCTS
Dried pumpkin leaves, cowpea leaves and bean leaves, and okra were the main dried vegetables sold in a Zambian area (5). These were sold to neighbours who approached them for cash or barter and only about a quarter is taken to market. Money was used only for buying small items like oil, cigarettes and local beer. Transport was a main constraint in taking goods to the market. Since they think everyone dries their vegetables, the interviewees' market is limited. There is almost no taboo against dried food per se. Such taboo if any would be associated with the food and not the fact that it was dried.
PARTICIPATION AND PERCEPTIONS OF WOMEN
Where drying is a tradition, introduction of improved techniques in drought-prone localities, where the problem is felt, may be most welcome. What are their problems in terms of techniques, tools, dryers location, storage, and who is responsible? In this case leadership of women in Africa who are much involved in cultivation, food processing and other activities, is called for. Of course large scale activities must not aggravate the work situation, as women also have domestic responsibilities. This point justifies inclusion in a baseline information of household activity and time use pattern depicting differences by gender and age. Additional observations can verify households work load situation in detail.
In a development strategy women's participation and men's support would be needed -not as a passive recipient of informationnot just as labourers but more actively in assessing the technology in relation to their problems and goads, discussing and weighing alternative solutions, and taking control of directions and resources.
- for insuring supply throughout the year?
- for improving family food?
- for increased income?
- for ritual foods?
- for status, etc.?
A case in Asia is cited to illustrate the point. Where rural food processing through drying was being introduced at the technical development phase it was found that solar drying technology would not spread automatically in the area (6). People living close to the drier testing site showed little interest in preserving foodstuffs for their own use. Instead they spoke most often of how to make money from the use of the driers. Thus the trading possibilities of solar dried foods was investigated. This illustrates that benefits must be perceived and articulated by those who are potential users and not by those who are testing or introducing it.
SUITABILITY OF TECHNOLOGY
Women can also participate in determining suitability of and improvement of new sun-drying technology to suit their needs - whether this be for family or commercial use. Some of the questions to ask are the following:
The involvement of people in the research and development phase shortens the period of testing and points out other factors missed previously. Tray driers with white polythene instead of black cover were well received in Zambia. In Thailand rice farmers prefer rice driers to be on high land and near the threshing area and commented that the required type of plastic covering may not be available locally and its life span is not more than eight months; they also thought that the drier being used for only two months a year, or even less, may not appear to be a good investment especially since the difference in price between wet and dry paddy is not so much (7). Users can even come up -with multiple advantages of the gadget as shown in another test of solar drier floor. After one day of storage at drier temperature (52 C) he reported that the grain had to some extent parboiled (8). Although this has not yet been verified by experiments it just shows that users can contribute ideas.
Although local materials for improvements are used when possible' one must be aware of their construction defects to prevent undue discomfort of operation. For example, with a bamboo screen constructed for the floor of the drier, considerable grain was caught in the screen. To remove the grain, the operator had to enter the drying chamber and sweep the grain with a broom. At 130°F inside the dryer, this was a most unpleasant task for him (8).
Use of fish net in fish drying racks proved better than wire mesh or perforated metal sheets previously used as it prevents sticking of the fish (9).
Introduction of even slight improvements such as wooden tools for raking or scooping rice or nuts, especially cashew, spread on the drying round helps reduce stooping, and cause less damage to food material (10).
COST OF TECHNOLOGY
High cost and complexity can be a deterrent to acceptance even when farmers realise its importance in saving their harvest and are attracted by the novelty. So if farmers and women hesitate to adopt new drying technology the cost factor has to be investigated. It is known that sundrying is the most economical method of drying food including grain. In a test with sundrying of rice compared to flat bed drying the cost of the former was less than half of the latter but is reported to be as low as one fourth of mechanical drying (11). However, artificial drying comdements sundrying during the rainy season when harvesting is being done or when rice cultivation is continuous. Therefore, reduction of cost with simple modifications can increase its acceptance. A drier introduced in Bangladesh cost $ 90 (see table 2) but with modification this was reduced to $ 57 and it can dry at least 8 mounds (229.2 kg) a day of wet paddy under monsoon conditions. (12) This same drier with probably some modifications to increase the internal temperature could be used in drying other foods during the off-season.
TABLE 2 - SOLAR PADDY DRIER CONSTRUCTION COSTS
| Material | Quantity | Cost (US$) |
| 1) Bamboo | 80 pcs "dooli" | 11.25 |
| 10 pcs "poro" | 14.06 | |
| 2) Polyethylene film (low density, 100 micron) | 56
sq. meters (10.5 pounds) |
10.69 |
| 3) Woven bamboo ("chatae") | 4 pcs. | 4.50 |
| 4) Wire, rope, cord | 3.38 | |
| 5) Charcoal Burnt rice husk |
6 tins | 1.41 |
| 2 sacks | 2.25 | |
| Total Materials . US$ 47.54 | ||
| Labour | Time (man days) | Cost (US$) |
| 1) Drier making | 10 | 11.25 |
| 2) Bamboo screen making | 21 | 23.63 |
| 3) Carrying costs | 5.63 | |
| Total Labour = US$ 40.51 | ||
Note: Bangladesh currency has been calculated at the official mid-1981 rate of 1 US$ . 17.77 take
Source: Clark, S. and Saha H., Solar Drying of Paddy in Renewable Energy Review Journal: 4(1) June 1982.
It is apparent that technological improvement continues as people use them and feed back their evaluation to researchers. It is also important to realize that for many rural people who cannot take any economic risk, the economic return is a factor to be reckoned with.
COMMITMENT AND SKILLS OF PROMOTORS AND FACILITATORS
No instant adoption of new drying technology by villagers is expected, even when technology or practice introduced is tailored to local needs and requirements. The promotor and/or technician who in traduces such technology is a key person in adoption. Her/his knowledge, attitudes and skills on the topic is essential. And so is her/ his rapport with groups and people, which makes introduction of an idea easier.
Since the project will deal with women, women promotors would more likely interact with women. Choice of such promotors from the village itself is usually bound by the village hierarchy rather than the ability or commitment of a person. And although the individual of higher status could provide role models of change for poorer and lower status, the temptation of these women coopting the resources and the project for their own benefit must be minimized - or guarded against. To counter this village elitism' increase the number of promotors in a village, provide skills training for short-term tasks and a long-term credit system support. This has been tried in some schemes with some success (13).
It must be recognized that village women as promotors may be illiterate and therefore training will have to be adjusted - with more visuals, demonstrations, learning by doing' return demonstration and shorter intensive training as they cannot forego their other duties. And close technical supervision is needed even after careful intensive and intermittent training.
In addition to the villagers, technical staff must also be chosen although there might be difficulty in finding qualified women in the country willing to go to far-flung and poor villages.
MOBILIZE VILLAGE GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS
Where women have already traditional organizations it is well to utilize these to initiate a project. Whether this organization would provide the future structure of the project depends on the ability to manage inputs towards objectives, to expand and to reach poor women. The role of societies, clubs, or established groups in information flow, legitimization of activities and group action is well known. The corn mill societies of Cameroon which operate grinding mills have evolved from a recognized need and has continued to do so (14).
It has repeatedly been mentioned that while technical skills have been developed through learning by doing, management skills remain a continuing gap of such groups. Lessons from other countries and other enterprises would be useful especially in the unsophisticated systems. There probably is no dearth of such skills, however rudimentary these are. The task is to identity who has organizational/management skills among the local people and endeavour to sharpen these.
TRAINING AND INFORMATION
The training programme will depend on needs of various groups involved in the adoption process. Hence, training of artisans, food processors, promotors, managers, etc. will require different emphasis. Training village promotors has taken different paths. One is where village technicians are brought to a national training centre and then, upon return' they in turn train a number of persons who also then train another group in their village. This is exemplified in the Chinese system with learning by doing as the core of training' hence even non-literates are trained (15). Another scheme is to train extension technicians who directly train groups in villages, whereas another variant is where a demonstration centre is placed where the problem is felt and training is done in situ with scientists participating.
The effectiveness of various schemes has not been evaluated but it is axiomatic that the better the village people are trained even on technical matters the faster they can solve problems that arise. However, close linkage with technical supervisors would be needed. The whole process of problem identification, alternative seeking, technical knowledge and skills acquisition are part of the training process, of learning by doing what is correct. Moreover, visits to exhibits, demonstration villages' and attendance at forums for exchange of information can apply to village people as well. Constraints to access of women and the poor to such training must be recognized and measures adopted to correct this. Such constraints revolve around length of training, timing' financial support for the family, care of children, place and methods of training the poor and women. Otherwise, the danger of including only the elite is ever present.
LINKAGES ESTABLISHED
To mobilize a programme and for future expansion, linkages need to be established with various research, extension, information source, and marketing organizations. Conflicts of institutional interest do arise but under certain situations people's group welfare and interest supersede sectoral interests.
POLICY SUPPORT
It is not too early to consider policies and measures that facilitate the establishment of rural industries around sundrying. Their existence provides the incentive and potential support for planned enterprises. These are equity of access to land, credit' subsidy, price support and support to research and development. Denial of such access to or discrimination against women or the poor closes the door to initiatives of this group. If improved drying is to be elevated from household use to rural industry use, then institutional measures would be essential. It is only through such measures that some guarantee of the active participation of the poor and disadvantaged women in running their own enterprise and benefitting from it is assured while food is conserved. This is the developmental goal that has to be achieved in a project of this kind.
CONCLUSION
Considering social, economic and institutional aspects' the introduction of new techniques and new equipment for drying has been discussed within the contest of the production consumption system. The relation to the acceptance of the product, its place in the food consumption pattern' the suitability of the technology to cultural needs, and its economics are considered. However, the establishment of rural industry on a small scale must be assessed and policy measures in terms of training' research, credit, marketing and subsidy need to be adopted if the rural poor families and women are to be encouraged. Such measures have to rectify any discrimination against or indifference to women's access to such institutional support. As we proceed to develop projects and pursue the implementation it may be worthwhile documenting the processes and factors as outlined in Appendix 2, which could contribute to the body of knowledge of technology transfer.
REFERENCES
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