On-farm storage of chickpea, sorghum and wheat in Eritrea

This paper presents the findings of a study of on-farm storage in five sub-zones in Eritrea during 2004/2005. The objective of the study was to identify the damages caused by storage pests.

Data was collected every month during the two month period, providing a number of conclusions, including:

• longer periods of storage led to an increase in the monthly percent of grain damage, weight and germination losses
• storage of grains in higher altitudes with cold temperature has a low storage pest infestation and damage
• treatments such as ash and edible oils were found to have a positive impact on reducing infestation and damage - these are environmentally friendly and should be made more widely available
• the timing and location of storage systems is key to the protection of produce - for example, timely harvest and drying of the grain before storage
• stores should also be cleaned and if possible fumigated before new grains are added and the storage site should be in cool and well–aerated places
• the use of insecticides on small-scale storage is not advisable since the grains are stored for a short duration and are often used for family consumption
• if chemical control is necessary, relatively safe insecticides should be applied - the most effective and convenient fumigant to use is phosphine.