Cacao Solar Dryers Success Story
(Link to Solar Cacao Dryers Project Description)
Cacao Solar Dryers in Villa Prado, 3 de Mayo and Suapi
As a result of the conversations, interviews and visits made during July of 2006 to the beneficiaries of the two kinds of cacao dryers delivered to the colonies of 3 de Mayo, Suapi and Villa Prado, we could summarize the elements that show the positive impact generated by ACDI/VOCA intervention. These results can be described as follows:
- The producers that were interviewed said were happy with the dryers and that it was definitely a great benefit for the production of cacao.
- It was noted the usage that they give to these constructions not only for crying cacao but also to dry rice, citrus seeds and other products for their fields.
- The drying of the cacao seed is much more uniform.
- The management of the drying is much more practical, especially with rains, compared to the traditional system where plastic was used.
- The condensation produced by the removed humidity drains towards the sides and do not cause any leaking in the cacao.
- The management is really easy , even the kids can cover the cacao if it is necessary.
- With this drying system 3 qq of cacao can be processed in 6 days.
- The dryer maintenance is easy to do.
- The life of the dryers provided by ACDI/VOCA is much longer that the traditional dryers which had to be fixed or rebuilt very often.
- The drying process is much quicker with the new dryers.
During the visit, we could interview Rinzor Alborta, 21, son of a cacao producer, beneficiary of one of the dryers. During the interview Rinzor said:
We have been living and producing cacao here for 30 years, my father always dreamt of having a more modern dryer, until the project arrived, now with our new dryers the management is easier and the cacao is more uniform, in addition we also dry rice, beans, corn and other products….We are 5 children, all got raised, lived and studied thanks to the cacao. I am the little one and currently I am studying the first year of Agronomic Engineering in Universidad Mayor of Cochabamba, my parents finance all the expenses that my studies represent and my lodging in the city, and they only do it with the production of 14 hectares of cacao, when I graduate, I will come back to work here again, but as an engineer.…
