Improving the identification, handling and storage of “difficult” seeds ...

Measuring seed moisture
Farmers generally measure seed moisture by observations. After harvesting, the grains are sun-dried
for two to three days. This allows the seeds to dry and where necessary the farmers literally carry
out tests such as breaking the grain by teeth to observe its strength if can withstand storage. The
same observations are made during harvesting so that harvesting is done when the crops are very
mature and the grains are dry enough to withstand mould.
Storage Containers
Storage containers range from polythene bags, paper bags, sacks, gunny bags, gourds, pots, bottles,
plastic jars to metal cans. Pre-treatment is very necessary for better storage life of the seed such as
cleaning, drying and then dressing with concoctions or pesticides before storage. It is the storage
structure and its construction which plays a vital role in reducing the losses of seed during storage.
▪ Plastic jars, drums etc – It was realized that most farmers use plastic jars/drums. This was also
highlighted as effective method of storing seeds but only in clean, dry airtight jars/drums kept in
cool dry conditions in a farm store or storeroom. The lids of such drums must be tightly fitted
because when the jar/drum is completely filled with seeds, any insect present will deplete the
oxygen in the jar/drum and die.
▪ Plastic bags – Have been found to be frequently used by community seed banks especially with
the training and support of the Genebank. Water-proof plastic bags are found to be the best way
of storing seeds. Though these kinds of bags are expensive for smallholder farmers and require
technical training.
▪ Sacks, papers and gunny bags – These bags are also commonly used by farmers and community
seed banks. At the very least, bagged seeds must be kept off the ground to prevent spoilage by
translocation, water and/or termites. Alternatively, the bags should be stacked on dunnage or
waterproof sheeting, away from walls in a rodent-proof barn.
▪ Gourds and pots – In the past, pots and gourds were common facilities for seed storage, farmers
have indicated that the trend has drastically changed as gourds have become very rare species
and pots are costly and cumbersome to use especially when one has many crops and varieties
for storage. Farmers are advised to be very careful when using gourds since they tend to harbour
weevils which are major threat to seeds. The Kamba community in Kenya has been associated
with gourds for the last century.
▪ Metal Cans (Silos) –metal silos have been introduced as seed storage facilities to community
seed banks. The containers are very effective in conserving seeds except they are expensive to
produce hence they are not cost effective to smallholder farmers.
Storage Structures
▪ Granary – the common storage structure for farmers in most communities is the granary.
Though frequently used, farmers have been advised to keep the surrounding of the granary clean,
the structure should be elevated to keep off termites and rodents. The granary should be well
covered on top to avoid leaking of rainwater and plastered with an improvised clay layer to
avoid termite or other insects attack.
▪ Above the fireplace – there are few farmers who still keep selected types of seeds such as Zea
mays cobs, Sorghum sp. heads and Phaseolus sp. pods tied or hanged at the roof by the fireplace.
This method is not effective for large quantity of seeds. Farmers are advised that this method
exposes the grains to rodent and weevils especially at early stages and moisture exposure during
rainy season which may result in mould.
Controlling pest and diseases
There are a number of methods to control insect pests or fungal infestation, used by both farmers
and community seed banks. The major pests are weevils, bruchids and the larger grain borer. The
common methods used by farmers to prevent pest attack are traditional e.g. dressing seeds by
concoctions such as ash from fire wood, cow dung or sisal. Farmers also mix seeds with leaves of