Northern innovator crushes it with new marula-processing machine

Wilhelm Wilbard, a welder who has dedicated years to researching innovations for rural communities, has invented a marula nut-crushing machine.

This year, he successfully supplied approximately 200 of these machines to local entrepreneurs.

Wilbard noted that the challenges faced by communities inspired his invention.

"When I began my journey in 2015, I conducted research in surrounding communities to understand their needs. Many elders suggested a machine for crushing marula nuts," he explained.

“Using this machine significantly speeds up the process compared to traditional hand-crushing methods. When producing marula oil, efficiency is crucial; the slow pace of hand-crushing can hinder productivity,” he said.

Wilbard said apart from inventing the devices, he also provides training to customers on how to operate the machines.

He told Namibian Sun’s Ewi that he currently employs three permanent workers and is eager to expand his team in the future.

However, he expressed a desire for government assistance in providing additional machinery.

"In the welding industry, we face a shortage of equipment," he said.

"If we had more machinery, we could produce a greater variety of items. With my skills as a welder, I can create almost anything my customers request, but without sufficient machinery, I am limited.”

Wilbard also observed that some villagers still rely on the traditional method of hand-crushing.

He believes that increased awareness is necessary to encourage the community to adopt the new technology, which would simplify their processes.

Lighter workload

Meanwhile, the Eudafano Women's Cooperative, established by founding president Sam Nujoma, has acquired the new machines in support of its members.

The Rössing Foundation sponsored 200 machines for the cooperative.

Eudafano is a women’s cooperative where members gather to crush marula nuts for extracting kernels and producing marula oil for commercial purposes.

Approximately 3 000 women are involved in this initiative.

Albertina Shipepe, a vice chairperson of the cooperative in Okahao, shared her experience using the crushing machine, saying it is much faster than the manual method.

“Using the machine, one can crush enough marula nuts to fill two 20-litre buckets in a single day," she said.

"In contrast, the traditional method is so slow that it’s nearly impossible to fill even one bucket. I encourage those still using traditional methods to switch to modern technology,” Shipepe remarked.

When asked about the market for marula oil, she expressed optimism, noting, "The market is thriving. There isn’t a day that goes by without a customer placing an order."

Another entrepreneur involved in the initiative echoed similar views, praising the marula nut-crushing machine for its efficiency and ease of use.

“You can operate it while seated, which is far more comfortable than sitting on the ground for long periods,” she said.

“It also reduces the risk of injury compared to the traditional hand-crushing methods," she added.

*To get in touch with Wilhelm Wilbard, contact him at 081 441 6423.