Design and Construction of Improved Yam Storage Structure Using Locally-Available Materials

2015

english

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is the second most important tropical root crop in West Africa after cassava. Post harvest loss, which has largely been associated with lack of appropriate storage systems, is the most common problem faced by smallholder yam farmers. The high level of yam post harvest losses has become a serious economic and food security threat. Existing yam storage structures have all that is required of improved storage structures but the cost is a great disincentive to farmers, which has greatly affected their adoption over the years. The overall objective of this study was to design and construct an improved storage structure using locally-available materials and expertise to facilitate future adoption by smallholder yam farmers. With dimensions of 3.66 m length, 1.83 m width and a height of 1.83 m, a storage capacity of 5000 tubers for Pona yam variety was considered for the structure design. AutoCAD software was used for the engineering design of the structure. Local materials used for the construction included; Borassus aethiopum wood used for the structural frame, sawmill waste boards (off-cuts) used for both outside and floor cladding, Ceiba boards used for the shelves and thatch material for roofing. After the design, the improved storage structure was constructed at the Crops Research Institute out-station located at Ejura in the Ashanti Region of Ghana at an estimated cost of US$ 370 as at January, 2014. The improved storage structure has the following features; good ventilation due to the presence of upper openings and side windows, ability to keep a more cooler environment within, water proof using well installed fresh thatch material, protection against rodents with the help of rat guards and raised platform, protection against theft because structure has a gate under lock and key, access for sprout control with the presence of shelves, low cost due to the use of locally available materials and local expertise. By way of recommendation, a field performance evaluation of the structure should be done to assess its storability for different yam varieties. Again, further studies should be undertaken to assess the effect of structure shape on the storability of yam.

Amponsah, S. K.; Akowuah, J. O.; Adu-Kwarteng, E.; Bessah, E.