Track: Doctoral Dissertation Competition

Abstract

Abstract
postharvest Bambara nut processing operations were accessed in this  study to address all  factors constraining effective utilization of this unique crop. It involved review of existing records and emperical observation of its native and present day semi-mechanized processing systems. Results showed milling and sieving as the post harvest operations that are yet to be successfully addressed by the existing mechanized systems. This is caused by lack of inherent crack in the seed coat of bambara grain and high binding force between it's coat and endosperm due to its 205.92mg/100g(2.06/kg) phenolic compounds  content . The binding strength of its grain was deduced from record as 1.51 per MPa and used to determine the minimum pressure required for effective separation of the endorsperm (food flour) and coat (chaff) of the ground bambara  grain as  7812.5pa. These findings were applied in the development of a viable single Flow milling-sieving machine for bambara flour production which improved hygiene, reduced drudgery and food loss in this sector.