College - Author 1
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Department - Author 1
Construction Management Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Construction Management
Date
6-2024
Primary Advisor/Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Paul Redden, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Construction Management Department
Abstract/Summary
Moringa Connect, founded in 2013 by MIT alumnus Kwami Williams, supports over 5,000 African farmers, primarily in Ghana, by providing a direct sales, manufacturing, and shipping platform for nutrient-dense moringa leaves. Despite significant social and economic benefits for the local farmers, the current drying process in Accra, Ghana, is inefficient, requiring extensive human handling. To address this, a team of five Cal Poly students partnered with Moringa Connect to design a prototype rotating hopper to streamline the drying process and reduce production costs. The project faced numerous challenges, including material sourcing constraints in Ghana and the need for extensive fabrication training. The prototype was designed to meet Moringa Connect’s production demands, though frequent design changes and unforeseen delays complicated the process. Despite not achieving the final implementation, the project provided invaluable lessons in engineering, fabrication, and project management. This paper details the prototype's development, the iterative design process, and key insights gained, offering a comprehensive case study for future student-led research and development projects aimed at supporting similar social enterprises.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cmsp/774
Poster Board
Braden Deck - SP Proposal Form (1).docx (114 kB)
Proposal
Student Evaluation Form - Deck.docx (19 kB)
Reflection