WHY the Zimbabwe Solar Dryer?

​

Every so often a new tool, technique or product emerges that changes people's lives for the better. We believe that we have developed such a technology – one that holds vast significance for food security not only in Zimbabwe but throughout the continent and beyond. Designed and built in Harare, the Zimbabwe Solar Dryer harnesses the power of the sun to preserve food naturally in a simple, hygienic and cost-effective way. We believe our dryers to be the most efficient on the market, yielding the highest quality produce possible. 

​

The dryers allow users to have access to fruit and vegetables throughout the year despite seasonal unavailability. As the dryers use only the power of the sun, they are particularly useful in areas where there is irregular or no power supply.

​

The Zimbabwe Solar Dryer contributes to food security by increasing the longevity and use of fresh produce through:

 

• Preserving surplus produce that would otherwise rot and go to waste
• Preserving produce to keep in reserve for times of shortage
• Preserving produce for out-of-season use
• Adding value to produce through the drying process
• Reducing the costs and risks associated with transporting fresh produce at the time of harvest
• Eliminating reliance on electricity for food preservation and storage
• Giving employment and providing an inexpensive way to establish small/medium businesses.

​

Who can benefit:

• Small or large scale producers seeking to: 

  • Improve food security.  The dried produce is stored to alleviate seasonal food shortages, particularly in drought prone areas and during out-of-season  production periods.

  • Assist self-sufficiency by providing productive employment,

  • Establish productive Small and Medium sized Enterprises.

• NGO's involved in agricultural/poverty alleviation programmes

• Farmers, market gardeners and individuals seeking to add value to their crops.

• Entrepreneurs creating agro-based value-addition businesses

• Government departments such as:

  • Ministry of SME's

  • Ministry of Agriculture

  • Ministry of Women's Affairs

  • Ministry of Youth. Sports and Culture