Pioneering Social Sustainability in Solar Drying Technologies: Evidence from the SLCA study in Tanzania

Ashiraf Abeid; Dr. Felichesmi Lyakurwa; Dr. Eliaza Mkina

doi:10.51646/jsesd.v14i2.653

Article Details

Pioneering Social Sustainability in Solar Drying Technologies: Evidence from the SLCA study in Tanzania

Authors:

Ashiraf Abeid | Dr. Felichesmi Lyakurwa | Dr. Eliaza Mkina

Publisher:

Center for Solar Energy Research and Studies (CSERS), Libya

Journal:

Solar Energy and Sustainable Development Journal Vol.14 Issue 2, pp.289-309

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

1/2025

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001390924

pISSN:

2414-6013

DOI:

10.51646/jsesd.v14i2.653

Keywords:

Abstract:

 Solar drying technologies (SDTs) are increasingly used to reduce post-harvest losses and extend the shelf life of agricultural produce. However, despite their benefits, studies have noted potential socio-economic and environmental impacts on humans and ecosystems. This study applied the Social Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA) framework to evaluate the social impacts of SDTs in Morogoro and Arusha regions, Tanzania. Using a participatory approach, focus group discussions with stakeholders identified 16 core social issues expanded into 56 SLCA sub-indicators. A structured questionnaire was administered to 244 respondents, including farmers and entrepreneurs. Results show SDTs contribute significantly to food security, reduced post-harvest losses, and improved market access. However, concerns include poor end-of-life management of SDT components, weak policy and legal frameworks, unequal working conditions, and limited social protection. Regionally, Morogoro outperformed Arusha across most indicators, with Arusha requiring targeted interventions. This is the first comprehensive SLCA study on SDTs in Africa, introducing two new indicators “improved food quality” and “food security” into SLCA methodology. The study enhances traditional life cycle assessments by focusing on social sustainability, providing critical insights for policymakers and planners seeking to promote sustainable agricultural technologies.
Keywords:.

Article Details

Pioneering Social Sustainability in Solar Drying Technologies: Evidence from the SLCA study in Tanzania

Authors:

Ashiraf Abeid | Dr. Felichesmi Lyakurwa | Dr. Eliaza Mkina

Publisher:

Center for Solar Energy Research and Studies (CSERS), Libya

Journal:

Solar Energy and Sustainable Development Journal Vol.14 Issue 2, pp.289-309

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

1/2025

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001390924

pISSN:

2414-6013

DOI:

10.51646/jsesd.v14i2.653

Socila Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA)

Solar Drying Technologies (SDTs)

Post Harvest Loss (PHL)

Indicators

Social Sustainability

Issues

Article Details

Pioneering Social Sustainability in Solar Drying Technologies: Evidence from the SLCA study in Tanzania

Authors: Ashiraf Abeid | Dr. Felichesmi Lyakurwa | Dr. Eliaza Mkina

Publisher: Center for Solar Energy Research and Studies (CSERS), Libya

Journal: Solar Energy and Sustainable Development Journal Vol.14 Issue 2, pp.289-309

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 1/2025

Document Language: English

Document ID (Org No.): 2001390924

pISSN: 2414-6013

DOI: 10.51646/jsesd.v14i2.653

Socila Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA)

Solar Drying Technologies (SDTs)

Post Harvest Loss (PHL)

Indicators

Social Sustainability

Issues

Authors:

Ashiraf Abeid | Dr. Felichesmi Lyakurwa | Dr. Eliaza Mkina

Publisher:

Center for Solar Energy Research and Studies (CSERS), Libya

Journal:

Solar Energy and Sustainable Development Journal Vol.14 Issue 2, pp.289-309

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

1/2025

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001390924

pISSN:

2414-6013

DOI:

10.51646/jsesd.v14i2.653