Evaluation of Traditional Grain Storage Methods and Pest Infestation Levels among Smallholder Farmers in Gujba District, Yobe State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluates traditional grain storage methods and pest infestation levels among smallholder farmers in Gujba District, Yobe State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 randomly selected smallholder farmers across fifteen villages in Gujba District during the 2025 post-harvest season. Data were collected using a pre-tested, structured questionnaire and direct field observations of storage structures. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used to analyse the study objectives. The results revealed that the majority of respondents were male (88.5%), 39.5% were aged 26–35 years, and 55.0% had no formal education. The results also showed that polypropylene/jute ('poly bacco') bag storage (58.5%), thatched rhombus structures (18.0%), warehouse storage (10.5%), earthen rhombus silos (8.0%), and underground pits and other methods (5.0%) were the traditional storage systems adopted by smallholder farmers in the study area. Oxytetracycline-based fumigants and phosphine were the most widely reported chemical interventions. Moreover, 69.5% applied chemicals during storage, and 76.0% stored grain in de-husked, threshed form. Overall, 57.5% reported low infestation, 31.5% reported medium infestation, and 11.0% reported high infestation; however, high infestation was disproportionately concentrated among users of thatched rhombus structures. A significant positive relationship was observed between education and the adoption of structurally improved storage methods. The study concludes that traditional storage systems, particularly thatched rhombus structures, remain inadequate for the reliable preservation of grain quality in Gujba District. Targeted investment in low-cost improved storage infrastructure, strengthened extension education, and regulated chemical use are recommended to reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen household food security in the study area.