There has been a growing concern in Africa about the increasing use of harmful chemicals such as Snipper and Formaldehyde by farmers to preserve food crops.
Food security goes beyond just ensuring the availability, accessibility, and affordability of food—it’s also about the quality and safety of what we consume, according to Adebayo Adeleke, founder of Supply-Chain Africa.
Biochemists at the University of Nigeria (UNN) highlight that these chemicals, while effective in preservation, are hazardous to human health.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also declared them hazardous to human health due to their potential long-term effects.
These chemicals were originally designed for fumigation purposes and were never intended for direct contact with food as they can cause endocrine disruption, genetic mutations, neurological damage, metabolic disorders, and a range of acute health problems according to NAFDAC.
Alarmingly, a viral video on Twitter revealed a fish farmer using Snipper to preserve dried catfish, while another farmer promoted the use of DDT to extend the shelf life of beans on social media.
Experts have warned that prolonged exposure to these chemicals may contribute to the rising incidence of cancer and other chronic health conditions.
In contrast, many farmers are choosing natural, chemical-free methods to preserve their crops. Alfred Daniang, a young farmer from Plateau State, shared with BusinessDay the time-honored preservation techniques passed down by his grandparents.
Similarly, Sani Baba, a large-scale farmer from Taraba State, emphasized his commitment to preserving his beans without chemicals, regardless of the harvest size.
Read also: Buhler opens multi-billion local grains processing facility in Kano
Here are five natural methods these local farmers use to preserve their food crops without relying on harmful chemicals:
Air drying
Air drying is a cost-effective method for drying grains in well-ventilated warehouses. The grains are periodically exposed to air, depending on the storage duration and quantity.
This approach is particularly suitable for large-scale storage and ensures long-term preservation. Most importantly, it does not involve any chemicals, making it safe for consumption.
Plastic containers
Airtight plastic containers such as drums, gallons, and bowls are highly effective for long-term grain storage. To ensure their efficacy, it is important to keep the containers dry and avoid placing them near moisture.
This method is commonly used by small-scale farmers due to its simplicity and practicality.
Earthen pots and silos
Local farmers often use handmade earthen pots with minimal openings to store grains, sealing them airtight with polythene.
Additionally, they may construct silos from mud bricks for larger quantities. To protect the grains from pests and moisture, they mix the grains with dried bird’s-eye chili peppers or pieces of charcoal before storage.
This traditional technique helps maintain grain quality and protect it from spoilage.
Sacks laced with polythene
Some farmers, like Baba, store grains in 100 kg sacks lined with polythene. The polythene acts as an airtight barrier, preventing weevil infestation and preserving the grains for 3 to 6 months.
This method is both cost-effective and suitable for large-scale storage, offering reliable protection for stored grains.
Open-air/sun-drying
In this method, grains are spread out under the sun or in an open space to dry naturally using sunlight and air. Although this technique is economical, it requires considerable labor to repeatedly bring the grains in and out of the drying area.
Despite being labor-intensive, it is a traditional and effective means of reducing moisture content in the grains.
