Kenya national crop storage study

This report discusses post-maturity losses of major food crops (corn, beans, sorghum, and millet) in Kenya. Crop samples were collected from small farmers, rural markets, and crop collecting and processing groups and were analyzed for bird, rodent, mold, and insect damage; for corn, tests were also made for aflatoxin contamination. Results indicate corn losses exceeding 16%, with 6% occurring between maturity and harvest and 10% between harvest and consumption. To reduce these losses, the following practices are recommended: harvest corn at physiological maturity (4-8 weeks earlier than at present) to reduce field losses; sun dry corn on platforms until a safe storage moisture level (13-14%) is reached; and shell and apply an insect protectant to grain that is to be stored for more than 3 to 4 months (about half the crop). These procedures are estimated to reduce losses to 4.5%. Estimated investment in farm facilities is 200 KES and the return to labor for the farmer is about 3 KES per hour. The techniques involved are already known in Kenya and used on a limited basis or for other crops. These techniques could also reduce losses for beans (currently about 4%) and for sorghum (which, based on limited sampling, may be even higher than for corn). No losses were found in the eight samples of millet collected. A proposed project to implement a grain loss reduction program is presented. Major components include providing grants to farmers to install improved facilities; having formal training programs for farmers; establishing a Post-Harvest and Storage Section within the Ministry of Agriculture; conducting educational programs ranging from short courses for extension agents to university education for agricultural personnel; and strengthening the research program to develop and test new loss reduction techniques. A 116-item bibliography (1953-79) and additional references for each chapter are included. An appendix provides information on weather, corn storage, farmer survey and grain analysis procedures, other crops, insects, and designs for platform dryers and corn cribs.