Proposal for $300 to Construct a Clay Grain Silo for Farmers in N'Djamena, Chad
Abubakar Usman Abdu
Project Description
Farmers face significant challenges related to post-harvest grain storage, particularly for maize and beans. The traditional methods of storage often lead to spoilage due to exposure to moisture, pests, and other environmental factors. This proposal outlines a plan to construct a clay silo specifically designed for humanist farmers in the region. The silo will serve as a sustainable storage solution, ensuring the preservation of harvested grains and maximizing farmers' profits. With a budget of $300, we aim to enhance food security, promote sustainable farming practices, and improve the livelihoods of local farmers.
Objectives
1. Improve Grain Storage: Construct a durable clay silo to store harvested maize and beans, minimizing spoilage and loss.
2. Enhance Economic Stability: Allow farmers to store their produce until market prices are favorable, thus maximizing their financial returns.
3. Promote Sustainable Practices: Utilize local materials and traditional building methods, reinforcing community ties and promoting environmental sustainability.
Target Audience
The primary beneficiaries of this project are farmers in N'Djamena who practice zai farming during the rainy season. These farmers often struggle with storing their harvested grains effectively, and the construction of a clay silo will provide them with a reliable solution.
Proposed Activities
1. Site Selection and Preparation: Identify an appropriate location for the silo that is accessible and strategically situated for the farmers.
2. Construction of the Clay Silo: Utilize locally sourced clay and labor from the community to build the silo.
3. Training and Workshops: Conduct workshops to educate farmers on effective grain storage practices and the benefits of using the clay silo.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish a system to assess the effectiveness of the silo in reducing grain spoilage and improving farmers' economic outcomes.
Budget Breakdown
1. Site Preparation: $50
○ Clearing and leveling the designated area for the silo construction.
2. Materials for Construction: $250
○ Clay (local source for building the silo) – $100
○ Additional materials (straw for insulation, tools, and binding materials) – $30
○ Labor costs (local labor for construction) – $20
○ Roofing materials -$50
Total $300
Benefit to Community
Reduced Grain Spoilage: The clay silo will significantly decrease the risk of spoilage, allowing farmers to store their maize and beans securely.
Increased Economic Returns: By enabling farmers to store their produce until market prices are favorable, the silo will help maximize their income and improve financial stability.
Enhanced Community Knowledge: Training workshops will equip farmers with essential knowledge about post-harvest practices, promoting better management of their resources.
Building Two Clay Silos with Thatched Roofs in Maradi, Niger Republic - for $300 each
by Maradi Humanist Mutual Aid
After our funding, we agreed we should wait a week to plan before starting with the construction. We have now completed the construction of two locally made silos and here is a summary of how we did it.
Procurement of Materials:
Clay: Sourced locally from riverbeds.
Thatching materials (straw, reeds): Collected from local farms.
Supporting materials (wooden poles, ropes): Purchased from local markets.
Construction Phases:
Phase 1: Foundation and Base Construction (Week 1)
Cleared and leveled the site.
Raised flats and straight stones for the foundation.
Mixed clay with water and straw to form a sturdy base.
Constructed a 1-meter high clay wall, allowing it to dry and harden.
Phase 2: Wall Construction (Week 2)
Continued building the clay walls up to 3 meters high.
Left small gaps for ventilation to prevent mold growth.
Reinforced the structure with wooden poles embedded within the clay walls.
Phase 3: Thatching the Roof (Week 3)
Constructed a conical roof frame using wooden poles.
Thatch was layered and tied securely to the frame.
Ensured the roof was tightly sealed to protect against rain.
Phase 4: Final Touches and Quality Check (Week 4)
Smoothed the interior walls for better grain storage.
Applied an additional layer of clay mixed with cow dung for durability.
Conducted a final inspection to ensure the structure was sound and functional.
Challenges and Solutions
Weather Conditions: Construction was paused during heavy rains. To mitigate this, we used tarpaulins to protect the structure and materials.
Material Shortage: Initial underestimation of clay required was resolved by organizing additional clay collection drives.
What we expect the Silo to do for us:
Improved Grain Storage: The silo provides a dry, safe, and accessible storage option, significantly reducing grain spoilage.
Community Skills Development: Local members acquired skills in traditional construction methods, which can be used for future projects.
Cost-Effectiveness: The project demonstrated that sustainable and durable storage solutions can be built at a low cost using local materials.
The project successfully utilized $600 to build two functional clay silos with a thatched roof, benefiting the Humanists members and their families in Maradi by enhancing food security and preserving local construction knowledge. The collaborative effort has strengthened community ties and provided a model for future projects in the region.
Step-by-Step plans to build $600 Grain Silo
1. Planning and Site Selection
1. Choose a Suitable Site
○ Slightly elevated ground to prevent flooding.
○ Away from waste dumps, animal pens, and termite nests.
○ Easy to access for filling and emptying.
2. Determine the Capacity
○ Small family silo: 1–2 tonnes of grain → about 2 m diameter × 2.5 m height.
○ Larger community silo: scale up proportionally.
3. Mark the Layout
○ Use a peg and string to draw a perfect circle (diameter as planned).
Materials
● Mud bricks — about 250–400 (for circular wall base).
● Wooden planks — for upper wall and interior lining.
● Corrugated iron sheets — for conical or pitched roof.
● Treated timber posts — for structural support.
● Nails (assorted sizes).
● Roofing nails with washers.
● Rat guards — smooth metal or PVC collars.
● Clay/mud mortar — for laying bricks.
● Bitumen or waterproof coating — optional for added moisture protection.
● Gravel or stones — for base drainage.
Tools
● Hoe, shovel, spade.
● Trowel.
● Measuring tape.
● Spirit level or plumb line.
● Hammer.
● Saw or axe.
● Ladder.
Foundation Construction
1. Excavate Foundation
○ Dig a circular trench: 20–30 cm deep × 20 cm wide.
2. Base Drainage
○ Spread gravel or stones at the trench bottom for drainage.
3. Set Corner & Mid Posts
○ For small silos: 4–6 evenly spaced posts around the circle.
○ Posts should be buried 50–60 cm deep and treated against rot.
4. Raise Mud Brick Base
○ Build 3–4 courses (layers) of mud bricks in a circle.
○ This elevates the structure to prevent ground moisture from reaching the grain.
Wall Construction
1. Frame the Wall
○ Between the posts, attach horizontal wooden planks from the top of the mud brick base upwards.
○ Leave no gaps between planks to prevent small pests entering.
2. Interior Lining
○ Optionally, line the inside with tight wooden planks or bamboo mats plastered with mud to make it airtight.
3. Door Opening
○ Leave a small filling door near the top (about 40×40 cm) for pouring in grain.
○ Leave a discharge opening near the base (about 30×30 cm) with a closable wooden hatch.
Roof Installation
1. Roof Frame
○ Create a conical or pitched roof frame from rafters fixed to the top ring of the wall.
○ Ensure a slope of at least 30° for rain runoff.
2. Fix Corrugated Iron Sheets
○ Start from the lower edge, overlapping sheets by at least one ridge.
○ Secure with roofing nails and washers.
3. Overhang
○ Extend the roof at least 30 cm beyond the wall to protect it from rain.
4. Ventilation Cap
○ At the peak, leave a small vent hole (covered with fine mesh) to allow hot air out while keeping pests away.
Pest and Moisture Protection
1. Rat Guards
○ Fit smooth metal or PVC collars around posts about 50 cm above ground.
2. Mud Plastering
○ Plaster the outer mud brick base with a clay-sand mix for weather resistance.
3. Seal All Gaps
○ Use clay or bitumen to close any tiny cracks in walls or around openings.
4. Drainage Ditch
○ Dig a shallow trench around the silo to divert rainwater.
Filling and Storage Practices
1. Dry Grain Properly
○ Moisture content should be below 13% before storage.
2. Loading
○ Pour grain in through the upper filling door, then close and seal.
3. Unloading
○ Use the lower discharge hatch to control grain flow.
Maintenance
● Inspect the roof regularly for leaks.
● Replaster mud brick base yearly.
● Keep surroundings clear of weeds and debris.
● Check rat guards and replace if damaged.
Budget
Sun-dried clay bricks (200 pcs) – $120
Corrugated iron sheets (8 pcs) – $140
Timber posts, beams & purlins (treated) – $80
Roofing screws, nails, bolts & washers – $35
Sand, clay, and lime mortar materials – $40
Cement for foundation & plaster (2 bags) – $24
Wire mesh & rat guard sheets – $28
Paint, limewash, termite treatment – $36
Hinges, lock, handle & hatch materials – $22
rope, safety gear, small tools – $75
Assignment
Submit a 1-page essay explaining what you believe are the easiest and the most difficult steps in doing this project. Also, explain who in your community might want this, and how is it useful to your community?