Solar-Powered Parboiling Rice Machine and its Relevance to Sustainability

Abstract

Given that rice stands as one of Africa's most widely consumed cereals, serving as a primary dietary energy source, both its production and demand have seen a steady rise over the years. In line with other sub-Saharan African nations, Guinea has witnessed a surge in rice consumption, driven by various factors, particularly the significant energy challenges it faces, compounded by the fact that approximately 70% of its population lacks access to electricity. The prevalent reliance on firewood for boiling paddy rice has significantly contributed to deforestation, as there is a growing demand for fuelwood and various forms of wood fuel for energy. This study seeks to explore the reasons behind the reluctance of people to embrace climate action with solar-powered parboiling rice machines (SPPRM). It also aims to identify the underlying causes of this disinterest. Based on the conducted survey, a total of 500 residents in the Basse-Guin?e region were sampled, revealing that a significant majority (92%) of the respondents are already aware of the environmental impacts associated with their daily cooking activities. The results further indicate that approximately 25% of the respondents were unable to adopt new machine technology due to a lack of government consumption subsidies, while the remaining 45% cited a lack of access to new machines as the primary hindrance. Consequently, the study concludes that, despite the potential benefits that could arise from adopting SPPRM for sustainable development, financial barriers and limited access to the machines pose significant challenges for the respondents.