Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Food loss after harvest is a recurring problem in rural communities, where the lack of adequate preservation technologies leads to economic losses and affects food security. This article presents the experience of an interdisciplinary project focused on the design and selection of hybrid solar dehydrators as a sustainable, accessible alternative adapted to the local context. The work was developed using a participatory science approach, integrating the knowledge of producers, technicians, and specialists through multi-criteria decision-making methods: Delphi, AHP, and TOPSIS. These tools allowed for the identification and determination of key criteria, as well as the evaluation of different technological alternatives. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis was performed to verify the stability of the results in the face of variations. The results indicate that hybrid solar dehydrators, by combining solar energy with auxiliary sources, represent an efficient option for reducing post-harvest losses and strengthening community development, highlighting the value of science built in collaboration with communities.
Source: Espacios Transnacionales
Language: English
Topic: Food Drying and Modeling
Subfield: Food Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7225338014