Investigation on the Drying of Dioscorea Schimperiana in the West Region of Cameroon

Abstract

The drying method and types of agricultural dryers used by farmers in rural West Cameroon were surveyed. These are direct solar drying (predominant). Different types of dryers are associated with each of these drying methods. These are the open-air bamboo mat dryer and the collar dryer. An analysis of the actual drying needs in rural areas and an evaluation of the means available to meet them are conducted based on a survey of farmers in rural areas. The conservation of Dioscorea Schimperiana is very difficult because of the unfavorable climatic conditions during production. The local unit of measure is the basket, which weighs between 5 and 25 kilograms. The purchase price of Dioscorea Schimperiana from the producer is higher in the rainy season. The drying time varies between 1 to 2 weeks for the bamboo dryer and 3 to 4 weeks for the necklace dryer. Laboratory determination of the dry-base moisture content of the post-drying Dioscorea Schimperiana samples collected during the surveys shows that it varies from 12.1 to 19.04 % instead of 11 % which is the recommended moisture content. The range of moisture content found shows insufficient drying.