Abstract

A survey conducted in the Ejura-Sekyedumasi municipality of Ghana's Ashanti Region assessed the use of Cedrela odorata leaves for storing maize. The study sampled fifty farmers from five maize-producing communities. Maize storage methods included shelling and bagging or storing unshelled maize in rooms or barns. Common field pests encountered included weevils, termites and fall armyworms. The majority of farmers (52%) stored maize for up to three months before sale or consumption. Seventy percent of farmers treated maize before storage, with 52% using C. odorata leaves and 8% using phostozin. Farmers perceived Cedrela odorata leaves as safe, as they are traditionally used to treat malaria, unlike phostozin, which is highly toxic. Typically, three kilograms of leaves were used for every 100 kg of maize, spread at the bottom, middle and top of the sack and tightly sewn. Farmers reported that the leaves were effective against storage weevils for up to three months but suggested further research to empirically determine efficacy and safety.

Key words: Post-harvest; agricultural production chain; food security; climate; maize cultivation.