Abstract:
The growing global demand for cold-pressed avocado oil—a premium product valued for its nutritional and cosmetic applications—offers a significant opportunity for smallholder farmers in Uganda. However, these farmers face considerable challenges, including high post-harvest losses (30–50%) and limited access to affordable and efficient processing equipment. This project addresses these issues by designing and fabricating a small-scale, energy-efficient cold press avocado oil extraction machine tailored to rural settings. The Design features a cylindrical malaxing chamber with modified paddles, a variable-speed motor for controlled mixing (15–30 RPM), and an optional heating jacket to maintain optimal processing temperatures (35–45°C). It also includes a screw press and an oil separation mechanism to enhance extraction efficiency while preserving oil quality. The methodology involves the design and fabrication of core components such as the pressing cage, gearbox, and feeding system, followed by prototype testing based on parameters like oil yield, energy consumption, and durability. This innovation aims to reduce post-harvest losses, improve value addition, and support the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Furthermore, it contributes to Uganda’s Sustainable Development Goals by promoting poverty reduction, rural industrialization, and sustainable agribusiness development.
