MOTIVATION
Malnutrition affects over 2 billion people globally and is linked to 60% of child deaths in Rwanda.
While fortification is the most cost-effective solution, it is not yet an option for those without access to centrally processed grains. The Komera (“Be Strong!” in Kinyarwanda) aims to solve this problem. It is a low-cost mixer that attaches to small-scale mills and evenly distributes fortificant into flour. Komera hopes to provide strength, energy, and nutrition to the Rwandan people.
ETHNOGRAPHIC RESEARCH
KEY INSIGHTS
Most Rwandans depend on Cassava, a woody shrub that is extensively cultivated as an annual crop for its edible starchy tuberous root. Because of its massive leaf production which drops to form organic matter thus recycling soil nutrients, cassava requires little or no fertilization and yet will maintain a steady production trend over a fairly long period of time in a continuous farming system. It is an annual crop that grows just about anywhere and in any season.
After drying the Cassava in the sun for a couple days, farmers walk to the nearest miller to grind their Cassava into flour. Typically, each village home has a miller within walking distance where they would, on average, carry about 10 kg of Cassava to grind. This 10 kg of Cassava would last a week for a family of six.
These mills proved to be great access points for nutrition to be added. Komera is an add-on device that can accurately mix micronutrients into milled flours. The solution fits onto every mill, ensures uniform mixing and has minimal operating costs. A rendering of the end product can be seen above. This PDF file explains how it works.
KOMERA IN ACTION:
In collaboration with Stephanie Carter, Hari Srinivasan, Nick Liao & Soniya Sapre. As part of the Extreme Affordability course @ Stanford.
BILLY
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Sep 05, 2010 @ 11:13 am