Benefit cost analysis of adopting a modified Cassava attrition peeling machine in mechanized Cassava processing

Abstract

This paper assessed the benefits of adopting a modified cassava attrition peeling machine in mechanised Cassava (Manihot Esculenta) processing. The parameters evaluated and compared between the modified cassava attrition peeling machine, existing attrition peeler and manual peeling technique include the specific energy consumption, peeling efficiency, flesh loss, throughput capacity, payback period and benefit cost ratio. The results showed that the improved machine has a payback period of one year and four months with Benefit Cost Ratio, BCR of 2.56. Significant improvements on its performance parameters was evident with 43% increase in peeling efficiency, 74.8% increase in throughput, 67% tuber flesh recovery, 12 % energy cost savings and 10.6% reduction in specific energy consumption over the existing attrition peeler.