Storage method encompasses the patterns and periods of storage as well as particular storage techniques. Storage management is therefore a major determinant of post-harvest losses in stored cereals: affecting the magnitude of losses and their susceptibility to reduction. Key issues are the location and scale of grain storage which, in most developing countries, involves both rural domestic storage and larger seal “buffer” storage at district centres, commonly near towns.
Various storage techniques are described and discussed against the background of available informatio on storage losses and with regard to the common patterns and periods of storage in Africa at the farr level and in “centralized” storage. The importance of long-term development planning for cereal crop production and utilization is stressed as a major factor in storage pest management and the reduction of storage losses.
The handling of imported food grains is discussed with regard to storage management problems arising from moisture content/relative humidity equilibria as affected by grain temperature.
