Recommendations for grain storage and preservation in Senegal

The government is making an effort to encourage commercial millet and sorghum production with a price support and purchasing policy. Storage facilities for the Senegalese buying program seems to be one of its limiting factors. The construction of an additional 120,000 M.T. of storage for various locations has been proposed. A.I.D. is considering financing 30,000 M.T. of this capacity. Recommendations for modification of the warehouse design are made and estimated costs of construction found comparable to cost estimates for U.S. pre-fabricated steel buildings. Advantages and disadvantages of both designs are reviewed. The advantages of bulk grain storage are indicated. A comprehensive program to train Senegalese in grain storage and preservation is outlined. The program includes provision of a grain storage and preservation specialist in the U.S. and U.S. short course training for national and regional storage quality personnel. It is recommended that an in-country training team of four members be assembled in Senegal to provide training for regional fumigators, reserve warehouse managers, and central warehouse managers.