Development of a Multi-Variant Grain Shelling Machine Using Locally Sourced Materials to Empower Smallholder Farmers in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper presents the design, development, and performance
evaluation of an innovative multi-variant grain shelling machine
intended to support small-scale farmers in Nigeria. To mitigate the
high cost of procuring specialized equipment, the machine was
engineered for versatile application across major grain crop types,
including maize and groundnut. Fabrication utilized locally sourced,
cost-effective materials, aiming to improve accessibility and eliminate
the intensive drudgery associated with manual shelling. The system's
core components include a 1 hp electric motor, a V-belt drive, a
hopper, and a shelling chamber with an appropriate sieve, all
dimensioned based on established engineering equations.
Performance evaluation used 5 kg grain samples, demonstrating high
shelling efficiencies of 98% for maize and 90% for groundnut as
against the commercially available shelling machines for maize and
groundnut at shelling efficiencies of 99.9% and 98% respectively.
These findings confirm the machine's efficiency, economic viability,
and practical suitability for sustainable small-scale farming operations
in Nigeria.