Ayosifam Partners NSPRI to Build Solar Dryer in Ilorin

In Short

• Ayosifam says it is building a high-capacity parabolic solar dryer at its Ilorin factory.
• The project is in partnership with the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, NSPRI, and backed by the Tadamon Food Security Accelerator, supported by UNDP.
• Ayosifam expects construction to be completed within two weeks.

What Happened

Nigerian food processor Ayosifam has paid NSPRI to construct a 17.82 square meter parabolic solar dryer at its factory in Ilorin, Kwara State. A parabolic solar dryer uses a curved surface to concentrate sunlight, which helps produce steady heat for drying crops.

Ayosifam says the system is designed for 24-hour operation. In simple terms, it aims to keep drying temperatures stable beyond daylight hours by trapping and retaining heat more efficiently than basic sun drying.

The company is positioning the equipment as an upgrade from open-air drying, which is often affected by dust, pests, and sudden rain. It also says the dryer will support production of staples such as odourless fufu flour, lafun, potato flour, and sorghum flour.

Why It Matters

Post-harvest loss is a major cost for smallholder farmers and food processors. It often happens when fresh cassava, potatoes, or grains spoil before they are processed or sold, especially during the rainy season.

If the dryer performs as described, Ayosifam could process larger volumes faster and more consistently. That can mean less waste, better shelf life, and more predictable supply for distributors and retailers.

Ayosifam also says its Ilorin site will serve as a demonstration facility for local farmers. For Kwara’s agricultural ecosystem, that could help spread practical know-how on climate-smart processing, meaning farm and factory methods that keep working even when weather patterns change.