In September 2008, SNV launched a contest to design the best mango-slicing machine. 28 candidates from all over the country responded enthusiastically to the ad in the Cameroon Tribune.

In collaboration with several partners (such as FAO, CIFOR and ICRAF), SNV selected the three best drawings. The winners won 100,000 francs each, and their drawings were published in the Farmers Voice. The winning designs were built, and then tried and tested in the bush. 

How many seconds will it take each of these machines to slice six mangos? Watch the video to find out which is the winner!

The winning machine and the runner up were shown at the international trade fair PROMOTE 2008 and both have already generated interest all over the country, and even abroad. Will this herald a new era in mechanising the production of forest products?