INTRODUCTION AND IMPROVEMENT OF POST- HARVEST AND GRAIN STORAGE SYSTEMS IN THE BAY REGION-SOMALIA Presented at the Regional Workshop on Dryland Farming Practices in Emergency and Post-Emergency Context October 6-7, 08 Nairobi, Kenya HUSSEIN HAJI

OVERVIEW Introduction Post-harvest losses Grain storage systems Experiences and lessons learned from other regions within the country using improved storage system A proposed plan for improving post-harvest and storage losses in the in the Bay Region

Introduction Sorghum is the major crop Production is low due to to: Moisture stress Lack of inputs Pre-harvest constraints Post-harvest and storage limitations

Post-harvest Losses Post-harvest and storage grain losses are estimated as 20-30% of the total production. In Southern Somalia, this translates to economic losses ranging between 50,000 and 80,000 tones per year corresponding to an estimated value of US$ 15 and 25 million, respectively. These losses are mainly due to lack of proper handling of the crop soon after harvest and the use of the traditional storage structures

Grain Storage systems I- traditional II- Others Underground pits – most commonly used II- Others Sacks Drums (metal and plastic) bags

Tradition Storage system Factors contributing to grain storage losses in underground pits: Temperature Humidity Higher temperature and higher humidity provide optimum conditions for disease development and spread

Tradition Storage system Problems Migration of moisture from the surrounding soil walls Exposed to heavy rains and floods Development of fungi and insects Conducive conditions for rodents Multiplication of fungi called Aspergillus – deadly to humans

Tradition Storage system Grain discoloration Loss of grain quantity and quality traits

Tradition Storage system Post-emergency study conducted in the Bay Region by GTZ indicate that in all tested pits, moisture and temperature were conducive for fungal development, therefore, grains had potential aflatoxins contamination

Tradition Storage system How to improve the traditional system? Improving post-harvest practices Improving the storage system

Tradition Storage system I. Improving post-harvest practices Moulded and damaged grain should be separated Improved sun drying Rapid collection in case of excessive rain Transportation (grain damage and spelling) Packing, loading and handling

Tradition Storage system II. Improving the traditional system Coating pit wall with maize/sorghum sticks or plastic sheets Digging drainage system around the pits Establishment of pits in elevated position

Experience and lessons learned Storage in drums and plastic containers Gaining popularity in parts of southern Somalia and Somaliland) Inaccessible to rodents, efficient against insects and sealed against entry of water Grain conserve their market quality and value for up to 5 years Significant reduction in post-harvest losses In 2007, 78% of the beneficiary farmers in Somaliland were found utilizing the new drum system

Experience and lessons learned Disadvantages: Limited capacity (max. 200 kg) In high agriculture potential areas like the Bay region, bigger storage capacity will be required

Household metal silos Proposed storage technology for the Bay Region Similar in concept to the drum storage Has been tested in many countries with measurable success It has helped many African countries reduce storage losses It can be built locally with different sizes of storage capacity

Household metal silos It’s simple, efficient and can store grain for longer period of time without altering grain quality Will farmers to store grain and sell product when the market price is high

Household metal silos Target groups The farmers within the project area artisans/craftsmen Somali agriculture professionals and technicians involved in the implementation of the action

Household metal silos The process: Train master trainers on silos construction Train artigans from different villages Organize field tours and demonstrations Train farmers on proper use of the silos Establishment of artigan centres Promotion of the new technology through available media outlets

Summary Improvement of pos-harvest and storage facilities are cost effective and contribute to food security Improved storage will allow a continues supply of food throughout the year either for domestic consumption or for trade It will provide a reserve for contingencies such as drought Allow the farmers to sell at a time when prices are favorable Will reduce the exposure to aflatoxins

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