Solar-Powered Food Dehydrator

Group: Maradi Women Humanist Group 

Members:

Fatimata Hassana 

Cherifa Ibrahim

Samira Abdou

Halimatou Salamatou

Chamsiya Boukari

Ryane Mamane

Amina Garba

Fati Issa

Mariama Djibo

Aicha Saley

Ramatou Souley

Email used by your group: hassanafatimata@gmail.com

What does humanism mean to your group?

We are all Fulani and Ex-Sufi Muslims who previously believed in the supremacy of Islam and the Jihadist agenda of the Fulani tribe to colonize Africa. Eventually we fell out of this racist and tribalistic bias when we became an ex-Muslim. We denounced Allah, the Arabian God, Islam and the teachings of Muhammad. We are now humanists and humanism to us is the realization of the unification of all humans across all nations and tribes as a race and species that must fend and look after one another. It is the realization that humans are the sole decider and coordinator of the fate of our race. That we must shun labels, superstitions, myths and bad culture that seeks to divide us and threaten our flourishing. To us, humanism as an idea should replace old religions and guide us into a new civilization that will make humans great again.

Project Description

This project aims to set up a solar-powered food dehydrator for the Maradi Humanist Women Group, enabling them to efficiently process and package locally grown fruits and vegetables for sale. By harnessing solar energy, the dehydrator will provide an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution to preserve food, extend shelf life, and reduce post-harvest losses.

The initiative, funded by HuMAN, will empower the women group to add value to their agricultural produce, increase their income, and improve food security within their community. Through training and capacity building, the group will develop skills in food dehydration, packaging, and small-scale marketing.

The funds generated from sales of the dried products will be reinvested by the group to maintain and operate the dehydrator, purchase raw materials, and explore additional income-generating activities. This cyclical use of funds will ensure the long-term sustainability of the project and enhance the economic independence of the Maradi Humanist Women Group.

Overall, this project promotes green energy use, women’s empowerment, and community development, while creating a sustainable model for local food processing and entrepreneurship.

Budget

Food Dryer - $600 https://shorturl.at/1hhqT

Solar Kits set-up - $300 

Total - $900

Timeline and Profit expected 

The project timeline spans three weeks, beginning with the procurement and installation of the solar-powered food dehydrator in the first week. During week two and three, the Maradi Humanist Women Group will undergo hands-on training in operating the dehydrator, food safety, packaging, and basic marketing strategies. week four and five will focus on production ramp-up, allowing the group to start dehydrating seasonal fruits and vegetables and introducing their products to local markets and nearby towns. The final weeks will be dedicated to evaluating initial sales performance, gathering feedback, and planning for scaling up or diversifying product offerings.

Based on local market prices and expected production capacity, the group can realistically generate a monthly profit of around $150 to $250 after covering operational costs such as packaging materials and minor maintenance. This estimated income will steadily grow as the group gains experience and expands its customer base. By reinvesting these profits, the group can sustain the project independently, maintain the equipment, and explore additional food processing opportunities, ensuring both financial stability and long-term community impact.

Benefits to Community

Economic Empowerment: Provides income-generating opportunities for women, boosting household earnings and reducing poverty.

Food Security: Reduces post-harvest losses by preserving seasonal produce, ensuring availability of nutritious food year-round.

Environmental Sustainability: Utilizes clean solar energy, lowering reliance on non-renewable power and promoting eco-friendly practices.