Developing sustainable and low-cost storage methods using local materials for traditional rice Warehouses

Post-harvest rice losses, ranging from 10–40% annually, severely undermine food security in developing regions, largely owing to traditional warehouses that are vulnerable to pests, moisture, and spoilage. This study examines sustainable, low-cost modifications to these structures using locally sourced materials—including bamboo, clay, and cow dung mixtures—to improve hermetic sealing and durability, while prioritizing long-term performance, economic viability, and socio-cultural acceptance.
Employing a mixed-methods design, the research encompassed prototype development and evaluation in controlled laboratory and real-world field conditions across Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Key activities included six-month monitoring of grain quality indicators (moisture content and pest infestation) with calibrated instruments, analyzed statistically via ANOVA and regression. Complementary qualitative data were gathered from surveys of 360 smallholder farmers and thematically analyzed using NVivo, grounded in circular economy and life-cycle assessment frameworks.
Findings revealed that clay-lined bamboo structures and cow dung composites reduced losses by 25–35%, establishing effective hermetic conditions that lowered moisture ingress by 45% and insect damage by 30–40%. These enhancements surpassed traditional methods and cost 50–70% less than commercial options. Intended adoption reached 78%, driven by farmers’ education, material availability, affordability, and cultural resonance.
The proposed solutions offer scalable, eco-friendly alternatives that bolster food security and climate resilience for smallholders. By reducing dependence on chemical inputs and encouraging resource reuse, they support circular economy principles. Results emphasize the need for targeted policies, including training programs, subsidies, and distribution networks, to facilitate widespread, equitable uptake of these culturally aligned interventions in at-risk communities.