Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Dehydration as a Women Entrepreneurship Alternative in Vulnerable Communities

Abstract

In Colombia, most commercial drying processes are frequently performed through the burning of wood and fossil fuels with high costs and environmental damage. Nevertheless, solar drying is a technique that could also be used to reduce many of the problems present in traditional drying techniques. Finding low-cost technology to install a solar dryer in a vulnerable community of women is an appropriate alternative; the transfer of knowledge on this technique could lead to greater empowerment of women and prevent gender inequality. This study evaluated the color and water activity of the mango (Mangifera indica L.) after a drying process in a greenhouse dryer. Furthermore, this study showed the relevance of implementing this technique in a community of women affected by the military conflict in Colombia. Results showed that a solar dryer achieved drying times of around 23–26 h, reaching water activity values below the 0.5 threshold which, according to international standards, has been considered as a food safety value. In addition, the color of the dry mango is slightly affected through this drying technique, providing a more acceptable consumer product. The application of the solar dryer has proven to be an easy-to-use and environmentally friendly method. On the other hand, it is also an opportunity to improve, with a low-cost investment, the living conditions of vulnerable communities.

Sustainable Development in the Colombian Post-Conflict—The Impact of Renewable Energies in Coffee-Growing Women

“…This paper is framed within this project showing the impact of the use of agricultural waste utilized for biogas production using biodigesters on coffee-household women, the relevance of this technology and the key role of rural women in Colombia's sustainable development. Activities for women empowerment contribute to their economic independence [17]. Therefore, empowerment of women involved in coffee production and implementation of new energies directly contributes to achieving various sustainable development goals, such as zero hunger, gender equality, affordable and clean energy or responsible consumption and production.…”

Do psycho-entrepreneurial traits and social networks matter for innovativeness among Saudi female entrepreneurs?

“…Since the emergence of feminist culture and the development of equality between genders, women entrepreneurs contribute significantly to economic growth in most countries (Ng, Wood, & Bastian, 2022;Aaltio & Wang, 2016;Salazar-Camacho et al, 2022). Most research on women entrepreneurs concentrate on identifying obstacles they face, variables influencing their success and encouraging their entrepreneurial action.…”