Centralized Grain Storage in Ghana: a Feasibility Analysis

Abstract

The focus of this analysis is to determine the feasibility of developing a centralized grain storage facility in the Ejura-Sekyedumase district of the Ashanti Region of Ghana,West Africa. This district is known for its production capacity and is considered the "corn basket" of the Ashanti Region. Maize producers in the Ejura-Sekyedumase district face the perpetual cycle of postharvest losses largely due to ineffective grain storage practices. Currently, aflotoxin producing organisms, grain borers, mold, and maize weevils often invade grain stored in the district. These infestations lead to quality and quantity losses. The value of grain storage in the Ejura-Sekyedumase district, to a market driven producer, is a function of price seasonality, value loss prevention, capital, and opportunity cost. A properly constructed grain storage system can effectively reduce grain storage pests and losses and thereby increase potential revenues. However, to be sustainable, storage systems require that they be profitable for producers. This study builds on previous grain storage research providing a model for the construction of economically viable grain storage systems in the Ejura-Sekyedumase district of the Ashanti Region, Ghana.