Metal silo grain storage technology and household food security in Kenya

Abstract

A treatment effect and ordered logit models were used to evaluate the impact of metal silo storage technology on household food security and factors influencing adoption of metal silo. Farmers’ perception of the effectiveness of metal silo against larger grain borer and maize weevil was also analyzed. The most important factor households considered when choosing a storage facility was effectiveness against storage pests followed by security of the stored grain and durability of the storage facility. Metal silo adopters had 1.8 months more of adequate food provisioning than non-adopters. Compared to non-adopting households, metal silo adopters only sold a little portion of their maize initially to meet immediate cash needs and kept the bulk of it until the fifth month after harvest. Consumption was stable throughout the year for the metal silo adopters. Non-adopters sold most of their maize immediately after harvest and consumption was higher than sales. Household size, literacy of the household head and land size increased the likelihood of adopting the metal silo technology. Households with access to financial services (bank account and/or mobile money) were more likely to adopt metal silo. Distance to the nearest passable road reduced odds of adopting metal silo technology. The use of metal silos prevented damage by larger grain borer (LGB) and maize weevil for 98% and 94% of adopters, respectively. This study finds evidence that metal silo technology is effective against main maize storage pests and its adoption can significantly improve food security in rural households.