Design and Development of an In-Lined Rice Parboiling Economy Stove to Utilize Rice-Husk Fuel for Small Scale Entrepreneurs

Abstract

Rice, a staple food in Nigeria and across Africa, faces significant challenges in production and postharvest processing, including substantial losses and low-quality outcomes. This study explores the design and development of an in-line economy stove that utilizes rice husks as fuel, aiming to reduce energy losses during rice parboiling and promote environmental sustainability. The stove incorporates three-layered construction with fire clay bricks, a clay-salt mixture, and galvanized steel to optimize energy conservation. Performance tests revealed that the stove efficiently parboils 80 kg of paddy rice with minimal heat loss (0.53 kW) and achieves a high percentage energy utilization (70%) using 3.5 kg of rice husk fuel per batch. The stove was fabricated using durable materials, including galvanized sheet metal and refractory bricks, with a cost of ₦131,120. The projected monthly profit of ₦41,303 highlights its economic viability, with a return on investment achieved within three months. This innovative solution addresses critical issues in rice processing, such as deforestation and the underutilization of agricultural residues like rice husks, while offering a cleaner and health-friendly alternative to traditional methods. The study recommends widespread adoption of the stove, supported by government and non-governmental initiatives, to improve the livelihoods of rural communities and enhance the rice value chain.