Annex


On a national scale the problem is indeed a serious one. Maize is one
of the staple foodstuffs of Kenya. But, with an expanding popula-
tion-and without a matching increase in production-Kenya
would run the risk of having to import maize to meet its needs. This
would be an unfortunate drain of precious foreign currency. The
Government has faced up to the problem and for a number of years
has promoted schemes for increasing production. Similarly, it sees
the importance of schemes which reduce post-harvest losses.
A number of research studies have shown that losses can be cut to
around 5% by adopting a few simple grain storage management
practices. Some of these practices cost no more than a few hours of
a farmer's time.

METHODS
The main improvements recommended by the On-Farm Grain
Storage Project are:
 constructing 1.5 meter-wide, raised cribs or baskets,
 or raising existing storage structures;
 *installing rat guards on the legs of the structures;
 harvesting the maize at physiological maturity;
 making sure the stores are clean and free of
 infestation before storing new grain;
 rapid drying on the cob;
 shelling and treating the grain with a recommended
 insecticide;
 periodic inspection of the stored maize.
Farmers are encouraged to adopt the whole package of recom-
mended procedures. The cost of construction-for materials and
labour-sometimes inhibits the acceptance of all these practices.
However, if farmers adopt only some of these seven recommenda-
tions-such as harvesting on time, drying and treating shelled
grain with insecticides-they are able to make great savings at
little cost. Very small-scale farmers producing only, say, about 5
bags, may prefer to harvest at physiological maturity, dry on the
ground or in small containers, shell, treat and store in bags in their
homes.