New designs for storage structures give farmers important options. Validated RNRRS Output.
Abstract
This is one of 280 summaries describing key outputs from the projects run by DFID's 10-year Renewable Natural Resources Research Strategy (RNRRS) programmes.
Associated with Projects R6311, R6658, R6502 and R8265. Modified farm stores are providing vital solutions to long-standing storage problems in Africa and elsewhere. While grain storage structures help protect against crop losses from insects, rodents, moulds, theft and fire, traditional designs are not always effective and building them is difficult for poor communities where hardwood supply is limited. Smallholders in Zimbabwe are using PVC pipes filled with concrete to replace timber, with the added advantage that rodents and termites don't attack these posts. A manual and video are facilitating extension to other countries. More than 1000 farmers in Ghana are using mud silos successfully, and guidelines for their promotion are available. Finally, metal silo storage is widely used in Latin America as well as in Swaziland.
The CD has the following information for this output: Description, Validation, Current Situation, Environmental Impact. Attached PDF (8 pp.) taken from the CD.
Citation
CPH23, New technologies, new processes, new policies: tried-and-tested and ready-to-use results from DFID-funded research, Research Into Use Programme, Aylesford, Kent, UK, ISBN 978-0-9552595-6-2, p 100.