Presentation from the Aflacontrol Conference on Aflatoxins, Food Safety and Food Security, Nairobi, Kenya January 2011

1. Metal Silos for Maize Storage in Kenya By Benjamin NjueNgari Artisan – Kiritiri Presentation for the AflacontrolStakeholdrers, Nairobi, January 13th, 2011

2. Principles Metal silos are containers made from sheet metal for storing food They can be made in different sizes: 1 to 20 bags of maize The silos are sealed and soldered airtight The silo has two openings: one on the top for filling One on the bottom for emptying

3. Use Maize needs to be dry (13.5%) Before closing, the oxygen is burned with a candle Covers are sealed with rubber bands The silo is kept undisturbed for 30 days, so all insects die After 30 days, maize can be used

4. Advantages Reduction in insect damage and losses Reduction in aflatoxins LGB does not destroy storage structure Insecticides are not needed Storage protects farmers against price fluctuation Surplus can be sold at a higher price

5. Economics Cost; depends on the size: 1 bag silo: KShs 3000 5 bag silo: KShs 8500 20 bag silo: Kshs 22,000 Benefit (Kiritiri, 2010-211) Maize price at harvest: KShs 800/bag Current price: KShs 1600/bag Farmer hopes to sell surplus at KShs 2000/bag So cost can be recovered in one season

6. Thank you Contact: Benjamin NjueNgari tel. 0723 328 698 PO Box 101-60113 Kiritiri