INTRODUCTION PROMOTION OF IMPROVED NARROW CRIB USING LOCAL MATERIAL FOR MAIZE STORAGE AS A REMEDY AGAINST POSTHARVEST LOSSES IN MAIZE PRODUCTION PRESENTED BY ANTI STEPHEN ON BEHALF OF GROUP 2B

Postharvest management in maize production plays a vital role in agriculture. Improper postharvest management causes loss of considerable quantity of maize produce. This results in the sizable gap between gross production and net availability of maize. Absolute lack of postharvest management also causes crisis in maize production. However, there are a number of ways of managing postharvest lost in maize production.

But the cost of implementation is another factor of difficulties. Besides, the most affordable and improved method of reducing postharvest lost in maize production is the narrow crib. Narrow crib is a type of granary used to dry and store corn for a longer period of time. It is the cheapest method of reducing postharvest loss in maize production. It can be constructed using locally available resources where the peasant farmer can afford.

OBJECTIVES The main objectives of promoting the use of improved narrow crib are: To store maize for a longer period. To reduce the cost of postharvest management in maize production. To dry and allow frequent air circulation.

To reduce pest infestation of harvested maize. To reduce losses after harvesting. To sell maize at the right time for better price. To increase supply throughout a specific year. To enhance better quality food.

IMPLEMENTATION The implementation procedure of the study is as follows: Training the farmers on the factors to consider when selecting site for crib construction with the group. Teaching the farmers on the importance of narrow crib construction

Taking the farmers through the procedure of construction. Pictorial demonstration on narrow crib construction. Speaking the language that is best understood by the farmers.

The following materials are needed for the construction: Strong fogged sticks Strong splitted bamboo Rail guards

Ropes/nails So lignum Earth chisel and cutlass Tape measure Marker

PROCEDURE Dug holes of about 0.5m Treat the fogged sticks and bamboo against weevil attacks Put fogged sticks of 2.5m in the holes that is, 1m high from the ground Put 3.5m sticks which form the structure of the crib with the sticks which form the platform in the 0.5m hole. Use the bamboo to form the platform of the crib

Cover the sides of the structure with bamboo from the platform upwards to roof level.

Provide a good space for easy loading and off-loading in the crib. Use rodent guard on all the sticks from the ground forming the crib stacked. Width of crib should be 1.5m wide and length 6m long. The length however depends on the quantity of the grains to be stored.

R OOF THE CRIB WITH BAMBOO AS THE ROOFING MATERIAL