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Investigating the potential of producing bio-ethanol from cassava wastes: A case study of Linga and Zidyana extension planning areas; Nkhotakota-Malawi

Abstract

Robert William Mkandawire

This study was conducted as part of a baseline study for the project 'Techno-economic Feasibility of Decentralized Production of Bio-ethanol using Wastes from Cassava Processing in Nkhotakota". The project will be implemented in two Extension Planning Areas (EPA) of Linga and Zidyana. Principally this study was meant to assess the adequacy of the available feedstock for the production of bioethanol from cassava wastes. The wastes to be assessed were cassava stems and tuber peels. The assessment established that cassava stems already have alternative usage in the impact areas hence may not be available in adequate volumes for utilization as feedstock for ethanol production. However, the study established that within the two EPAs there is potential for production of up to 94,000 metric tons of cassava peels. Since not all the cassava is used within the areas, the actual peels produced were established to be approximately 6.1 metric tons. The bio-ethanol production potential was estimated based on exploitation of 20% of the available peels, and the ethanol being concentrated to40% alcohol. Thus the available peels have potential for producing 222,252 litres of bio-ethanol per year. The study, therefore, recommends that the project can go ahead in the proposed EPAs.

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