By John Bottenberg | Acting Executive Director, ATC
We are excited to share a major milestone for our Solar Fruit Dehydrators for MicroEntrepreneurs project: the launch of our finalized third-generation solar dehydrator design. This innovation marks a significant step forward in our mission to provide sustainable food preservation technology to rural cooperatives in Western Guatemala.
Why This Matters
In Western Guatemala, nearly half of all children suffer from chronic malnutrition. This project directly addresses that crisis. Solar dehydrators extend the availability of nutrient-rich produce, reduce food waste, and generate year-round income for smallholder farmers. This means better nutrition for children, more stability for families, and new economic opportunities where they are most needed.
From Classroom to Community
Originally developed as a capstone design project at Michigan State University, our solar dehydrator has undergone rigorous field testing and continuous improvement. Our latest model integrates lessons learned over the past several years, with enhancements in durability, weather resistance, and usability based on direct feedback from Guatemalan families and farming cooperatives.
Design Improvements Include:
Robust Construction to withstand tropical weather conditions.
Improved Pest Protection through better screening and elevated platforms.
Streamlined Assembly for local build teams using available materials.
Next Steps
In July, we will assemble and install the finalized design at a cooperative farm in San Lucas Tolimán. The cooperative will use the dehydrator over the next two years, documenting the quantity of food preserved, nutritional impact, and additional income generated. This real-world data will help confirm design robustness and help make the design available to other customers.
ATC remains committed to building locally appropriate, sustainable technologies that improve health, support education, and generate income. We deeply appreciate your support on this journey and look forward to sharing the stories and results from San Lucas Tolimán in the coming months.
Thank you for being part of the solution.
With gratitude,
John Bottenberg
Acting Executive Director, The Appropriate Technology Collaborative (ATC)
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