Post‐harvest maize and sorghum grain losses in traditional and improved stores in South Nyanza District, Kenya

In a study of on‐farm post‐harvest sorghum and maize grain losses in Oyugis and Kendu Bay during 1990–1, grain damage was caused mainly by Sitophilus zeamais (Motsch.) and Sitotroga cerealella (Oliver). Grain stored in improved granaries suffered less insect attack, and less loss than in traditional granaries, particularly in Oyugis. Sorghum suffered significantly greater insect damage and loss than maize. In Oyugis the percentage weight loss for maize 4 months after harvest averaged 2.2%. and 5.6% in improved and traditional granaries respectively, and for sorghum, 3.6% and 6.1% respectively. In Kendu Bay, maize losses 4 months after harvest averaged 11.5% and 5.6% in the improved and traditional granaries respectively, sorghum 7% and 14.3% respectively. The farmers’ decision to use preservatives was influenced by the level of insect pest attack at harvest. Improved post‐harvest grain handling technology had a significant effect on food security at most farms even where farmers still use traditional granaries. However, the technology can be improved and food losses reduced even further. © 1993 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.