1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. 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

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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. THANK YOU