At IDIN, we’re all about learning, especially when it’s hands-on. Here we’ve compiled some of our favorite resources, many of which are used at our trainings and summits around the world.
Resource Library
An Analysis of Zambian Cast Aluminum Pots
- Student Papers
This paper continues the previous research of the authors, in which structural failures of aluminum pots cast by Zambian businesses were evaluated. The authors then explored how local practices can be improved to prevent common use failures.
Assessment of the Physical and Combustion Properties of Briquettes Produced from Dried Coconut Husk
- Student Papers
This dissertation by KNUST student Gloria Baaba Aboagye investigates the potential of using charcoal briquettes produced from dried coconut husk as an alternative source of biomass fuel. The briquettes were evaluated along several physical and combustion properties, including calorific value, thermal efficiency, and emissions compared to traditional charcoal.
Exploration of Avocado Oil Extraction Methods and Potential in Rural Tanzania
- Student Papers
This project is a continuation of a challenge first explored at IDDS 2014 in Tanzania—the fact that excess avocado crops often go to waste in rural villages in East Africa. Its authors visited Tanzania to explore avocado oil extraction methods and market potential for avocado oil.
Standardisation of the Grating Surface of Cassava Graters for Gari
- Student Papers
This paper continues the previous research of the author, in which the author surveyed cassava grating surfaces on the Ghanian market. The author designed and tested three new grating surfaces to improve efficiency and ensure interchangeability of the cassava graters.
Performance Evaluation of a Peanut Planter
- Student Papers
This dissertation by KNUST student Francis Achaab evaluates the performance of a precision peanut planter developed at a Creative Capacity Building training in New Longoro, Ghana. The planter was evaluated on the parameters of planting depth, field capacity, field efficiency and rates of seed damage.
Design of an Absorbent and Comfortable Sanitary Napkin for Applications in Developing Countries
- Student Papers
This study looks at solutions to menstrual hygiene from a materials perspective, assessing available materials for the properties needed for a good napkin, and reviewing the literature for comparison between these and other materials.
Standardization of Grating Surface of Cassava Graters for Gari Processing
- Student Papers
This is the presentation abstract of a research project on improving the efficiency of cassava graters. The author surveyed existing cassava grating surfaces on the Ghanian market and then designed and tested three new grating surfaces. The project was presented at KNUST in July 2015.
Performance Evaluation of a Two-Row Groundnut Planter
- Student Papers
This disseratation by KNUST student Priscilla Ama Dede Narh evaluates the performance of a manual two-row groundnut planter developed in a Creative Capacity Training in New Longoro, Ghana. The planter was evaluated on the parameters of seed damage, number of seeds discharged, seeding rate, planting depth, inter-row and intra-row spacing, effective field capacity and effective field effiiciency.
National Technology Business Centre Aluminum Project Report
- Student Papers
This report is based on an assessment study aimed at determining the unexploited capabilities and opportunities in the recycling aluminum value chain. The reports finds four main business opportunities in the value chain including collection, sorting and cleaning, refining and processing, and marketing.
PET Bottle Strip Cutter
- Student Papers
Trash is a big problem in Sao Paulo, Brazil. UC Davis students Ryan Pang and Daniel Quinn from D-Lab have worked to design and prototype a PET Bottle Strip Cutter for Miguel Chavez in the Innovation Center-Vila Nova Esperanca. The problem with the existing bottle strip cutter currently used by the center is that the design will not allow for adjustments to be made in the size of the plastic string created and is not set up for different sized plastic bottles. Cutting bottles into strands of plastic is important because the string can then be woven to make items such as chairs, green houses, fencing, and more. These products can generate income to improve the lives of people living in poverty. Additionally, in improving this design we can decrease the amount of plastic trash accumulation by repurposing it to create desirable goods.