Gauteng-based company, Dryers for Africa, specialises in the design and manufacture of agricultural processing equipment, for small-scale producers or emerging farmers, commercial farmers and large co-operative or projects.
For more than three decades, we've been providing post-harvest drying solutions and other agro-processing equipment throughout the African continent.
The company's success has been largely due to extensive knowledge and experience in drying and processing of fruit, vegetables, herbs, spices, nuts and meat and fish. The process of drying and juicing has in the past been the domain of large commercial organisations with the exemption of sun-drying, which has several limitations. We have made it our mission to provide the necessary processing technology, whilst taking into account efficiency, affordability, quality, location, available resources and scale. Working within compliance requirements and ensuring ongoing research and development within our industry is key to your advancement.
Our aim is to provide you with a complete solution. From the initial planning, concept and design phases, through to manufacturing, assembly, delivery, installation and commissioning, and lastly through to training, technical and operational support, product development and market connections.
YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR SUCCESS!
Reduced
Poverty
Reduced
Hunger
Improved
Health & Well-being
Skills Development
Gender Equality
Clean Water & Sanitation
Affordable & Clean Energy
Decent Work & Economic Growth
Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
Reduced Inequalities
Sustainable Cities & Communities
Responsible Consumption & Production
Climate Action
Life Below Water
Life on Land
Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
Partnerships for the Goals
Self-Sustainability
Farm produce that is normally excessive for local use or unacceptable in terms of retail quality would normally go to waste, or sold for little return. Processing by drying, juicing or other value-adding procedures increases the value of this raw material. It also improves the shelf life, thus allowing you a longer marketing period for your product. Processing creates employment opportunities and development of specialised skills, thereby adding value to individuals within a community.
Africa has an abundance of fruits and vegetables but due to post harvest losses and wastage, lack of skills and technology, remains largely untapped. Dryers for Africa has focused its products on this market, specifically through understanding the limitations of available skills, environmental issues, and energy sources. It is a low technology system that minimises the need for highly skilled engineers and or electricians, whom are usually costly, if available in some rural areas. Heating source can be electricity, gas, coal or biomass fuel, solar or wind, depending on local availability and cost.
Beyond our range of standard equipment we have the ability, knowledge and passion to create a solution catering for your individual needs. Extend the life of your product! Increased marketing time frame! Create additional income! Add value to unmarketable produce! Reduce post-harvest losses and eliminate waste! Improve food security!
Strengthen your community! Provide permanent employment and promote skills development!
On average, small-scale farmers in Africa can see an income increase of 30-50% when they start value-adding and agro-processing activities to reduce post-harvest losses.
Key ways that agro-processing boosts income include:
Improved product value: Processing raw agricultural products into finished goods (e.g., turning fruits into dried fruit, juices, or jams) significantly increases their market value.
Reduced spoilage: By reducing post-harvest losses through better storage, preservation, and processing techniques, farmers can sell more of their produce instead of losing a large portion to spoilage, pests, or improper handling.
Access to new markets: Value-added products often have a wider appeal and can be sold in markets that raw products cannot, such as urban centers, supermarkets, or for export. This opens up new revenue streams for farmers.
Extended shelf life: Agro-processing activities like drying can extend the shelf life of perishable goods, allowing farmers to sell their produce over a longer period and at better prices, particularly in off-seasons.
Diversified income: Processing allows smallholders to diversify their product offerings, creating multiple income streams from the same crop or set of crops. For example, a farmer growing cassava might produce both fresh cassava roots and processed cassava flour or starch.
While the exact income boost depends on the effectiveness of the agro-processing operation and market conditions, studies consistently show a substantial improvement in the economic resilience and profitability of farmers who engage in these activities.
Post-harvest losses in Africa are estimated to be between 30-50% of total agricultural production, depending on the crop and region. These losses occur at various stages, from harvesting to consumption, and they deplete valuable resources such as:
Food (nutrients and calories): The loss of crops means a reduction in the food supply, contributing to food insecurity and malnutrition, especially in regions where food access is already limited.
Water: Agriculture consumes a large amount of water, particularly for irrigation. When food is lost post-harvest, the water used in production is also wasted. It is estimated that globally, up to 24% of water used in agriculture is lost through post-harvest losses.
Energy: Energy is used at various points in the agricultural chain, from planting and irrigating crops to processing, transportation, and storage.
Labour: The time and effort of farmers and labourers are also wasted when produce is lost or wasted, reducing the economic benefits and discouraging investment in agriculture.
Land: Agricultural land is a limited resource, and losses mean that land productivity is reduced. With 30-50% of crops being lost, the effective use of agricultural land is undermined.
Financial Resources: Post-harvest losses represent lost income for farmers and businesses. The value of food lost in sub-Saharan Africa alone is estimated at around $4 billion annually, limiting economic growth and poverty alleviation efforts.
Environmental Impact: Wasted produce contributes to unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions from rotting organic matter, worsening environmental challenges. When food is lost, the carbon footprint of producing that food also becomes wasted.
Reducing post-harvest losses would not only increase food availability but also conserve these valuable resources and reduce economic and environmental costs.
A significant percentage of African communities, estimated at 60-80% could benefit from agro-processing activities. This is particularly true in rural areas where agriculture is the primary livelihood for most households. Agro-processing can have widespread positive impacts on these communities by:
Income generation: Agro-processing adds value to raw agricultural products, allowing farmers and processors to earn more. For instance, processing fruits into juice or dried products increases their market price.
Job creation: Agro-processing industries create employment opportunities, both directly in processing facilities and indirectly through the supply chain (e.g., transport, packaging, marketing).
Local economic development: With increased income, there is greater spending power within the community, stimulating local businesses and services, and contributing to overall economic development.
Minimised waste: Communities often suffer from high post-harvest losses due to poor storage, lack of refrigeration, and inadequate transport. Agro-processing helps reduce these losses by preserving food through drying, and other activities, which improves food security and reduces waste.
Better access to food: By processing and preserving food, communities can store surplus production for times of scarcity, reducing the seasonal fluctuations in food availability.
Enhanced nutrition: Processed foods can be fortified with essential nutrients, which helps address micronutrient deficiencies, particularly among children and vulnerable groups.
Broader market reach: Processed agricultural products can be sold in urban centres, regional markets, and even internationally, providing access to more profitable and diversified markets.
Price stability: By extending the shelf life of perishable goods, agro-processing enables farmers to sell their products over time, reducing the risk of price fluctuations due to seasonal gluts or shortages.
Women’s economic empowerment: Since women constitute a large portion of smallholder farmers and are heavily involved in food processing, agro-processing provides them with opportunities to increase their income, improve their livelihoods, and achieve greater financial independence.
Reduced environmental impact: By utilising more of the crop, agro-processing reduces food waste and the associated environmental costs, such as water and energy used in production. This contributes to more sustainable agricultural practices.
In summary, agro-processing activities can positively impact the livelihoods, food security, and overall development of African communities by creating new income streams, reducing food waste, improving nutrition, and empowering smallholders, particularly women. These benefits can reach a majority of rural communities, contributing to more resilient and prosperous local economies.
5 Kirschner Avenue, Bapsfontein,
Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, South Africa, 1510
(listed as '5 Bronberg Road' on google maps
-26.011599 | 28.441803
Postnet Suite 24, Private Bag X255,
Kempton Park, 1620
Office | +27 87 265 4592
Fax | +27 86 500 1032
email | cath@dryersforafrica.co.za
WhatsApp | +27 71 498 8436