FIIRO signs working agreement with German govt
…In close collaboration with GIZ and BOSCH

By Kayode Ogunwale

 

AS part of fulfilling its mandate of rapid industrial acceleration through research and development, the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO) has signed an agreement after a tow day technical meeting on collaboration with two German companies through the support of the German government.
The agreement between GIZ, a green innovation centre for agriculture and food sector, BOSCH which is a specialist in the fabrication of tools, machineries and equipment and FIIRO, which is saddled with the responsibility of research and development in Nigeria is to collaborate in the areas of joint interest to develop innovative cassava processing technologies to improve income for Nigerian micro, small and medium sized cassava processors and to create additional employment.
Prof. (Mrs) Gloria Elemo, DG, FIIRO who played host to the German duo in FIIRO, Lagos on Thursday, commended the GIZ and BOSCH Packaging for seeking to collaborate with the institute in the area of cassava processing by providing innovative solution to cassava processors by increasing their income and generating employment.
Elemo noted that FIIRO has developed over 25 commercilisable products from cassava, adding that the institute has also worked virtually on all agro-commodities available in Nigeria and has developed process technologies to convert them to shelf stable products thereby reducing post harvest losses in Nigeria.
In his presentation, Harwig Michaelsen, Project Manager, GIZ, stated that the project concept is to develop simple mobile and stationary cassava processing units for both small and medium sized cassava processors, adding that small sized units will comprise of a tricycle with a trailer carrying the basic cassava equipment, mainly the hammer mill, hydraulic press and source of power.
Michaelsen however, presented a draft of operational work plan which was discussed and accepted by with input by all parties including responsibilities and obligations of each of the parties.
Francis Omoniyi, Sales Director, West-Africa, BOSCH emphasised the need for effective packaging of products coming out from the processors, such as gari, fufu, starch, flour, etec, adding that Bosch packaging has strength in developing packaging solutions and will be a very useful partner in the proposed collaboration.
In a communiqué drafted at the occasion, it was agreed that FIIRO should design and develop a prototype of Mobile Cassava Processing Unit together with Bosch packaging in accordance with the technical concept as proposed by GIZ.
The communiqué reads; “FIIRO should provide machinery, ie Hammer – mill and hydraulic press and adapt to specifications needed; run the lab and field tests needed, run road shows and present the unit at trade fairs together with BOSCH Packaging. To support after sales work, develop innovative machinery package adapted to individual situation of the middle –sized processor together with Bosch.
“GIZ is to provide technical and managerial capacity development for cassava small holder cooperatives with processing facilities and for SME processing companies selected for this project on training, business skills, strengthening of group formation, training on processing and packaging quality standards and hygiene and support diversification of products. Supply water pumps and tanks for women cooperatives, supply improved energy efficient frying ovens for women cooperatives, introduce waste management strategies on good Agricultural Practice and Famer Business School for smallholder suppliers (out grower members of selected cooperatives and SME). GIZ is to develop and implement training packages on National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) requirements and standards for middle-sized processor.”
“BOSCH should provide tricycle, bag sealing machine and trailer chassis for the prototype, run Lab and field tests of equipment, roll-out campaign to win potential operators the units, assess and advise middle-sized processors on way forward to meet NAFDAC requirements for certification. BOSCH is to introduce innovative machinery package adapted to individual situation of middle-sized processors, and to ensure absolute compliance with terms, conditions and stipulations of MoU.