Mango ( Mangifera indica L.) Dehydration as a Women Entrepreneurship Alternative in Vulnerable Communities

Natalia Andrea Salazar-Camacho, Luz Adriana Sanchez-Echeverri, Francisco Javier Fonseca, Víctor Falguera, Daniel Castro-Bocanegra and Nelson Javier Tovar-Perilla
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Natalia Andrea Salazar-Camacho: Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Universidad de Ibagué, Carrera 22 Calle 67, Ibagué 730002, Colombia
Luz Adriana Sanchez-Echeverri: Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Universidad de Ibagué, Carrera 22 Calle 67, Ibagué 730002, Colombia
Francisco Javier Fonseca: AKIS International, C/Dr Robert 33, 25171 Albatàrrec, Spain
Víctor Falguera: AKIS International, C/Dr Robert 33, 25171 Albatàrrec, Spain
Daniel Castro-Bocanegra: FRUDETOL, Ibagué 730002, Colombia
Nelson Javier Tovar-Perilla: Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Ibagué, Carrera 22 Calle 67, Ibagué 730002, Colombia

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 3, 1-13

Abstract: In Colombia, most commercial drying processes are frequently performed through the burning of wood and fossil fuels with high costs and environmental damage. Nevertheless, solar drying is a technique that could also be used to reduce many of the problems present in traditional drying techniques. Finding low-cost technology to install a solar dryer in a vulnerable community of women is an appropriate alternative; the transfer of knowledge on this technique could lead to greater empowerment of women and prevent gender inequality. This study evaluated the color and water activity of the mango ( Mangifera indica L.) after a drying process in a greenhouse dryer. Furthermore, this study showed the relevance of implementing this technique in a community of women affected by the military conflict in Colombia. Results showed that a solar dryer achieved drying times of around 23–26 h, reaching water activity values below the 0.5 threshold which, according to international standards, has been considered as a food safety value. In addition, the color of the dry mango is slightly affected through this drying technique, providing a more acceptable consumer product. The application of the solar dryer has proven to be an easy-to-use and environmentally friendly method. On the other hand, it is also an opportunity to improve, with a low-cost investment, the living conditions of vulnerable communities.

Keywords: entrepreneurship; solar drying; social appropriation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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