ICCK

Dr Nnaemeka Reginald Nwakuba

Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri 460001, Nigeria, NG

ORCID
Section 01

Academic Profile

Engineering Technology of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Nigeria where he earned his B.Eng (Hons), M.Eng, Ph.D degrees in 2005, 2011, and 2018, respectively. His career objective is to contribute substantially to teaching and research for development, particularly in the agri-food sector and be part of the dynamic team that works towards applying the basic sciences and natural laws to develop technologies and innovations to improve agricultural/food production. Engr. Dr. Nwakuba specializes in power and machinery engineering as well as postharvest engineering options of agricultural engineering. His research spans the technological process and system variables for the development of efficient and techno-economic food and bio-processing equipment and technologies for value addition in the agri-food sector.

Section 02

ICCK Publications

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Open Access | Research Article | 05 October 2026
Neuro-Predictive Modelling and Thermo-Energetic Optimization of Convective Drying Kinetics and Mass Transfer Dynamics in Black Bean (Akidi) Seeds
Agricultural Science and Food Processing | Volume 3, Issue 4: 124-141, 2026 | DOI: 10.62762/ASFP.2026.204903
Abstract
Convective drying extends the storage life of legume seeds, but its nonlinear kinetics and energy demand are difficult to predict with conventional models. This study developed and validated an artificial neural network (ANN) to predict the drying kinetics, drying time and energy consumption of black bean (\textit{Vigna unguiculata}) seeds during convective drying at 45-65~\degC, and to identify optimal drying conditions. Fresh seeds had an initial moisture content of 18.84% (wet basis), above the 12-14% safe storage limit. A 2-10-10-3 feedforward network (Levenberg-Marquardt training) used drying time and temperature as inputs and moisture ratio (MR), drying rate (DR) and energy consumption... More >

Graphical Abstract
Neuro-Predictive Modelling and Thermo-Energetic Optimization of Convective Drying Kinetics and Mass Transfer Dynamics in Black Bean (Akidi) Seeds
Open Access | Research Article | 10 May 2026 | Cited: Crossref logo  1 , Scopus 1
Response Surface Methodology Study of the Synergistic Effects of Soaking Pretreatment and Microwave Power on the Proximate Composition of Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.)
Agricultural Science and Food Processing | Volume 3, Issue 2: 73-94, 2026 | DOI: 10.62762/ASFP.2026.613613
Abstract
Despite its nutritional potential, Tiger nut remains under-utilized. This study examined the interactive effects of soaking time (24–72\,h) and microwave power (100–280\,W) on its proximate composition using response surface methodology. Commercial tubers (14.33% moisture) were rehydrated to 38.6–46.8% moisture via soaking and then microwave-dried at 2.45\,GHz. Proximate composition was determined by AOAC methods. Ash, fat and carbohydrate followed linear models (\(p<0.0001\)); fiber followed a two-factor interaction model (\(p<0.0001\)); protein showed quadratic behavior (\(p=0.0006\)). Multi-response optimization identified 48\,h soaking and 190\,W power as optimal (desirability=0.87... More >

Graphical Abstract
Response Surface Methodology Study of the Synergistic Effects of Soaking Pretreatment and Microwave Power on the Proximate Composition of Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.)
Open Access | Review Article | 08 December 2025 | Cited: Crossref logo  6 , Scopus 5
Prospects of Agrivoltaics as a Sustainable Mitigation Solution to the Nomadic Cattle Rearing Crisis in Nigeria: A Review
Agricultural Science and Food Processing | Volume 2, Issue 4: 148-172, 2025 | DOI: 10.62762/ASFP.2025.763200
Abstract
The ongoing conflict between herdsmen and farmers across different regions in Nigeria over scarce natural resources continues to generate disputes that threaten the lives and property of citizens. The impact of this crisis is now escalating to a level that significantly endangers the country's socio-economic development and overall security. It is essential to explore technological solutions that can sustain both herdsmen and farmers in their respective activities while making the best use of limited land resources. This study investigates the potential of agrivoltaics as a strategy to address Nigeria's nomadic cattle rearing challenges. A review of existing literature was conducted on the s... More >

Graphical Abstract
Prospects of Agrivoltaics as a Sustainable Mitigation Solution to the Nomadic Cattle Rearing Crisis in Nigeria: A Review