ARID ZONE JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING, TECHNOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

Number 13(2), 2017

197-208
Development of a motorized tomato (Solanumlycopersicum l.) Slicer

Authors: S. K. Shittu, M. Bello, N. D. Dangora

Abstract

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Number of views: 1135

In an attempt to solve the problem associated with slicing of tomato which is an important operation required in tomato drying industries, a motorized tomato slicer was designed fabricated and tested. In tomato processing industry, slicing of tomato is usually done to increase the surface area of the product for effective drying. The machine was designed to slice tomatoes into recommended size of 20mmthick for fast drying. The slicer consists mainly of a feeding unit, cutting compartment, collection unit, power section and tool frame. Tomato fruits fed through the feeding unit go down to the cutting compartment by gravitational force and the reciprocating motion of slicing knives cut the fruits by shearing action. In the design of the tomato slicer, physical properties of UC-82B tomato variety were considered. Results of performance evaluation showed that the machine has anoutputcapacity of468kg/h, percentage loss of 28.40%, and slicing efficiency of 60.34%.

209-218
Assessment of Occupational Harzads and Health Problems among Female Farmers in North-Eastern Nigeria

Authors: M. O. Amodu, M. F. Amodu, J. S. Bimba, M. T. Bolori

Abstract

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Number of views: 1082

Farming is the main occupation of the rural people in Northeastern region of Nigeria. It constitutes 60-75% of the population of the area and involves both male and female alike. However, a postharvest aspect of production is mostly handled by women. Thus the female farmers are more exposed to farming occupational hazards than their male counterparts. The aim of the study was to identify the occupational hazard problems encountered by female farmers in Northeastern region of Nigeria. Specifically, to (i) determine the prevalence of injuries and diseases of women farmers; (ii) assess types of treatments available to women farmers; and (iii) assess the protective measures employed in preventing injuries and diseases. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using a pre-tested questionnaire to collect data. Eight hundred questionnaires were administered. Multistage sample method was used to select the respondents. The results showed that 662 (82.8%) of the female farmers interviewed complained of back pains. Six hundred and twenty-four or (78.0%) of the respondents suffered lacerations from the usage of farm implements such as hoes, axes, sickles, cutlass, and also from grasses and thorns. Insect stings were the third most prevalent diseases and constitute 59.5% of the respondents. Other diseases prevalence were: sunburns, snake bites, fractures, and injuries from falling trees and branches, which constitute 20.6% of the farmers. The respondents got treatments at homes, traditional healers, and hospitals. The use of chemicals was not popular among the respondents, herbicides, (9.8%), pesticides, (13.1%) and insecticides (21.4%). Accordingly, the awareness of the harmful effects of these chemicals was low. Farming activities of the women farmers in northeastern, Nigeria was found to be their means of livelihoods. There is a need to increase agricultural mechanization in order to reduce injuries and pains associated with crude farm tools. Female farmers require more enlightenment on the need of using protective materials for farming activities.