To browse Academia. Ddsigned as a working and teaching tool for development workers in their field activities, this manual combines in one volume the basic principles of grain storage and the practical solutions currently being used and tested around the world to combat grain storage problems.
Each of six sections begins with informative material on the topic to be discussed and provides other types of materials with suggestions for their use. The sections cover the grain storage problem; grain as a living thing; grain, moisture, and air; preparing grain for storage; grain dryer models; enemies of stored grain insects and rodents ; and storage methods. Materials may be used to lead discussions with farmers and village leaders.
Suggestions are given for demonstrations and experiments to illustrate grain storage principles to farmers. Some material is prepared in the form of illustrated leaflets for use directly with a farmer or for adaptation as needed. Some construction plans are fully illustrated for farmer use. Others are written and can be translated. Material useful for small-scale farmers is simplified and prepared in checklist or handout form.
Appendixes include examples of different ways to present grain storage information from Asia, Africa, and South America; information on moisture meters; material on use of insecticides; waterproofing methods; and a bibliography, YLB. Grain storage loss is a major contributor to post-harvest losses and is one of the main causes of food insecurity for smallholder farmers in developing countries.
Thus, the objective of this review is to assess the conventional and emerging grain storage practices for smallholder farmers in developing countries and highlight their most promising features and drawbacks. Smallholder farmers in developing countries use conventional grain storage structures and handling systems such as woven bags or cribs to store grain.
