By Umar Nsubuga
For commercial maize farmers, post-harvest losses pose a significant challenge, cutting into profits and threatening food security.
One of the most effective ways to address this issue is through the construction and use of maize cribs.
Twaha Kakooza, a maize farmer in Kayunga district says maize cribs are designed to allow air to circulate around the stored maize, facilitating natural drying.
He says this reduces the risk of mold and aflatoxins, which can render the maize unfit for consumption or sale.
Unlike storing maize in bags or heaps, cribs ensure that farmers can keep their produce for longer periods without worrying about rapid deterioration.
These traditional storage structures help farmers dry and store maize properly, preventing spoilage and improving grain quality.
Kakooza, constructed a maize crib and has seen firsthand the advantages.
“Before building my maize crib, I would lose a significant portion of my harvest to moisture and pests. Now, my maize stays dry, and I can sell it at a better price because of its improved quality,” he says.
Kakooza says storing maize properly can give flexibility in selling, and it allows to wait for better market prices instead of rushing to sell at lower rates due to fear of spoilage.
Ketty Okello from Agweng village in Kwania district has also adopted a maize crib for storage.
She explains that it has significantly cut down her losses, as she no longer faces issues of mould and rodents invading her maize stock.
“It is a good investment for any serious maize farmer,” she affirms.
The construction of a maize crib
Building a maize crib requires careful planning and the right materials. The basic components include timber or bamboo, used to create the framework.
Kakooza guides on how to build a maize crib:
- Wire mesh or wooden slats allow for proper ventilation while keeping pests out.
- Roofing material, such as iron sheets or thatched grass to protect against rain.
- Raised platform, the crib should be elevated from the ground to prevent moisture absorption and deter rodents.
- The size of a crib depends on the farmer’s production scale. A standard crib for a medium-scale farmer can store several tons of maize, ensuring a continuous supply of well-preserved grain throughout the season.
Challenges of maize cribs
Despite their many benefits, maize cribs do come with some challenges.
One of the major problems is termite infestation. Kakooza says since most cribs are made of wood, termites can weaken the structure over time.
“Farmers need to treat the wood with anti-termite chemicals or use termite-resistant materials,” he says.
Fred Mpalanyi, a carpenter says constructing a durable crib requires financial investment. Some farmers may struggle with the initial cost, though the long-term savings make it worthwhile. Weather conditions also play a role if a crib is not built properly, strong winds or heavy rain can damage it.
“Proper site selection and construction techniques are essential to ensure the crib remains stable,” he says.
A solution for post-harvest losses
Okello explains that maize cribs are a time-tested solution that commercial farmers can rely on to reduce post-harvest losses and improve grain quality.
“By ensuring maize is properly dried and protected from pests and moisture, these structures help farmers achieve better market prices and maintain food security,” she says.
With proper maintenance and investment, Okello says maize cribs remain a sustainable and cost-effective storage method, benefiting both small- and large-scale farmers.
