Nigerian engineer develops high-efficiency coconut dehusking machine
In many coconut-producing communities across Nigeria, farmers still rely on manual tools to remove coconut husks, a slow and labor-intensive process that limits productivity and reduces income. Mechanical engineer Ifeoluwa
In many coconut-producing communities across Nigeria, farmers still rely on manual tools to remove coconut husks, a slow and labor-intensive process that limits productivity and reduces income. Mechanical engineer Ifeoluwa Arogundade believes that gap in mechanization is costing rural communities valuable economic opportunities. Through the development and improvement of a patented coconut dehusking machine, he is working to change that narrative.
Nigeria ranks among the world’s top five coconut producers, with annual output often exceeding 1.5 to 2 million metric tons. Yet much of the processing at smallholder and cottage-industry levels remains manual.
According to Arogundade, this bottleneck contributes to post-harvest losses and prevents farmers from fully tapping into value-added markets.
“Manual dehusking is slow and physically demanding,” he explained. “With mechanization, the same labor force can process several hundred coconuts per hour. Our improved design can handle up to 240 coconuts per hour, significantly increasing throughput while reducing effort.”
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The innovation began during his undergraduate studies at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), where he worked in a university workshop as part of a team developing the patented machine. The hands-on experience exposed him early to real-world engineering challenges, design limitations, fabrication constraints, and performance optimization beyond textbook theory.
Recognizing areas for improvement in the original design, the team, led by Arogundade, implemented key mechanical modifications, including enhancements to the drive system, spike geometry, structural alignment, and machine stability.
These changes were aimed at improving efficiency and reducing energy consumption. Performance testing showed measurable gains. Dehusking time dropped from 15–25 seconds per coconut to 9–13 seconds. Energy use per coconut also declined due to improved power transmission and reduced processing time.
“The results confirm that targeted mechanical improvements can significantly enhance performance,” Arogundade said. “It demonstrates that locally developed machines, when properly refined and evaluated, can compete with more complex and expensive systems.”
Beyond speed and efficiency, he emphasizes the broader economic implications. Faster processing enables farmers and small-scale processors to move into higher-value products such as coconut oil, desiccated coconut, coconut milk, coir fiber, and activated carbon derived from shells. These products generate greater income than selling raw coconuts alone.
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“Mechanization at the cottage-industry level strengthens rural livelihoods,” he noted. “It reduces post-harvest losses, increases productivity, and keeps more of the value chain within Nigeria.”
To validate the improvements scientifically, Arogundade and his team published their findings in an academic journal titled “Design Improvements and Performance Evaluation of a Developed Coconut Dehusking Machine.” The publication documents the redesign process and provides empirical data supporting the performance gains.
For him, publishing the research was about more than academic recognition, It was a step toward building a foundation for indigenous engineering solutions backed by rigorous testing.
“Research ensures that innovations are not just functional, but optimized and scalable,” he said. He added that future studies could evaluate performance across different coconut sizes and moisture levels, as well as conduct a detailed cost-benefit analysis to assess economic viability for wider adoption.
Arogundade’s academic journey has since expanded internationally. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree with thesis in mechanical engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where his research focuses on adhesive bonding and sustainability in structural applications for the automotive and aerospace industries. His coursework centers on manufacturing systems, precision metrology, and process optimization, disciplines that continue to inform his approach to agricultural machinery design.
Despite his global exposure, he remains focused on local impact.
“There is enormous potential in developing appropriate technology for Nigeria’s agricultural sector,” he said. “When we design and manufacture solutions locally, we build technical capacity, create jobs, and reduce reliance on imported systems.”
