Comparative assessment of three low-capacity drying systems using the analytical hierarchy process

Abstract

The study assessed the technical performance of three alternative drying systems for drying maize by smallholder maize farmers in Ghana. The three dryers considered were the AflaStop (EasyDry M500) dryer, STR Column dryer, and the Solar Bubble dryer. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used for the comparative analysis and selection of the best alternative drying system based on its technical performance, durability, ease of use, cost of manufacture and operational cost. The drying rate and drying efficiency determined for the AflaStop, STR Column, and the Solar Bubble dryer were 2.20 %/h, 1.90 %/h, 0.98 %/h and 81.07 %, 64.65 %, 36.17 %, respectively. Considering a global priority value of 41 %, the STR Column drying system was selected over the AflaStop and the Solar Bubble dryers which had priority values of 34 % and 25 % respectively. The use of the AHP model was successful in selecting among three locally available low-capacity dryers, most suitable for maize drying by smallholder maize farmers, in Ghana.