$300 Proposal to Construct a Yam Barn for the Humanist Community in N'Djamena, Chad
by Abubakar Usman Abdu
Project Description
In N'Djamena, Chad, the cultivation of yams serves as a vital source of nutrition and income for local communities. However, during the dry season, proper storage facilities are lacking, leading to significant losses due to spoilage and pest damage. This proposal outlines a plan to construct a yam barn that will serve as an effective storage solution for yams harvested from the community garden of humanist farmers. With a budget of $300, this project aims to enhance food security, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and improve the livelihoods of the humanist community members. The primary beneficiaries of this project are humanist community members engaged in yam cultivation in N'Djamena. This initiative will provide them with a reliable storage solution, thereby supporting their agricultural efforts and improving their overall food security. The construction of a yam barn in N'Djamena represents a vital investment in the future of local humanist farmers. With a budget of $300, we can create a sustainable storage solution that addresses food spoilage, enhances food security, and promotes community engagement. We invite your support to bring this initiative to fruition, empowering farmers to thrive and contribute positively to their families and the broader community. Together, we can cultivate a future of sustainability and prosperity in N'Djamena. Thank you for considering this proposal.
Budget
Site Preparation: $50 (Labor for clearing and leveling the site)
Materials for Construction
● Bamboo or Wood for Structure: $130
● Thatched Roofing Materials (e.g., palm fronds): $70
● Nails, Ropes, and Binding Materials: $30
● Tools (if needed): $20
Total $300
Benefit to the Community
Reduced Spoilage: The yam barn will significantly decrease spoilage, enabling community members to store yams securely throughout the dry season.
Increased Food Security: By providing reliable storage, the barn will ensure a stable supply of yams, enhancing the community's overall food security.
Community Empowerment: Training sessions will equip community members with knowledge about yam storage and barn maintenance, fostering a sense of responsibility and ownership.
Step-by-Step Instructions on Building a Yam Barn for Post-Harvest Food Preservation in West Africa
The traditional yam barn is a time-tested, low-cost method of storing yams and other tubers in rural West African settings.
Materials Needed:
• 6–12 strong wooden poles (2–3 meters tall) – hardwood if possible
• Bundles of flexible sticks for framing
• Rope, vine, or twine (or wire) for tying
• Optional: thatch, old cloth, palm fronds for roofing/shade
• Optional: barbed wire or netting to deter goats/pests
Construction Steps:
1 Choose a Location
◦ Find a slightly elevated, shaded, and well-drained site.
◦ Avoid termite-infested areas.
2 Mark the Layout
◦ Mark a rectangular or circular area (~2m x 2m or ~3m diameter).
◦ Yam barns can be square or round depending on local tradition.
3 Dig Foundation Holes
◦ Dig 6–12 post holes at regular intervals (0.5–1m apart).
◦ Each hole should be ~30–50cm deep.
4 Erect Vertical Poles
◦ Insert large wooden poles into the holes and pack soil tightly.
◦ Ensure vertical stability—this is the barn’s main support.
5 Frame the Rack
◦ Tie horizontal sticks across the vertical poles at 30–50cm spacing.
◦ Create a "lattice" on which yams can be hung or tied.
6 Add Roof or Shade (Optional)
◦ If sun or rain exposure is a concern, build a simple thatch or metal roof.
◦ Shade increases yam longevity.
7 Tie or Hang Yams
◦ Tie yams to the framework using vines, string, or cloth.
◦ Keep space between yams for air circulation.
8 Animal Protection (Optional)
◦ Fence the barn or wrap the lower section in wire mesh or thorn bushes.
◦ Keeps out goats, rodents, and pigs.
Steps In Building Yam Barn for $600
1. Planning and Site Preparation
1. Choose a Suitable Site
○ Pick a slightly elevated area to prevent flooding during rains.
○ Ensure the site is accessible for loading/unloading yams.
○ Prefer a location with good air circulation.
2. Measure and Mark the Area
○ Standard barn size: 30 m (width) × 30 m (length) × 30 m (height).
○ Use pegs and string to outline the perimeter.
3. Clear the Site
○ Remove weeds, debris, stones.
○ Level the ground using a hoe or shovel.
2. Materials and Tools Needed
Materials
● Mud bricks (for wall base) — about 1500–2000 depending on barn size.
● Wooden planks (for wall upper section & racks).
● Corrugated iron sheets (for roofing) — about 24–30 pieces, depending on overlap.
● Timber posts — 16 main corner posts + 8 side support posts.
● Nails (assorted sizes).
● Binding wire (optional for extra fastening).
● Gravel or stones (for foundation base).
● Clay or mud mortar (for laying bricks).
● Roof ridge cap (optional, for waterproofing).
● Rat guards (metal sheet collars or smooth PVC around posts).
Tools
● Hoe, shovel, spade.
● Spirit level or plumb line.
● Measuring tape.
● Hammer.
● Saw or axe.
● Trowel.
● Ladder
Foundation Construction
1. Dig Foundation Trenches
○ Depth: 20–30 cm.
○ Width: slightly wider than mud bricks (about 15–20 cm).
2. Lay Foundation Base
○ Place a layer of gravel or stones to improve drainage.
3. Set Corner Posts
○ Dig post holes at least 50 cm deep at each corner.
○ Use treated hardwood posts for durability.
○ Fix posts upright with stones and compacted earth.
4. Lay Mud Brick Base
○ Build 2–3 courses (layers) of mud bricks around the perimeter.
○ Mortar: use a mixture of clay, water, and a bit of straw for binding.
○ This base keeps planks off the ground and reduces rot.
Wall Frame & Plank Installation
1. Install Vertical Supports
○ Between corner posts, add vertical supports every 1–1.5 m.
○ Secure with nails or binding wire.
2. Attach Wooden Planks
○ Fix planks horizontally from the top of the mud brick base up to desired wall height (about 1.8–2 m).
○ Leave 1–2 cm gaps between planks for ventilation.
3. Create Door Frame
○ Leave an opening about 70–80 cm wide for a door.
○ Use planks to make a simple hinged door.
Roofing
1. Roof Frame
○ Nail cross-beams (rafters) to the top of the posts.
○ Ensure a slope of at least 20–30° for water runoff.
2. Fix Corrugated Iron Sheets
○ Start from the lower side and overlap sheets by at least one ridge.
○ Secure with roofing nails (with rubber washers to prevent leaks).
3. Add Ridge Cap
○ Fix a ridge cap at the roof’s peak to stop water entry.
4. Overhang
○ Allow at least 30 cm overhang to protect walls from rain.
Interior Arrangement
1. Racks and Tiers
○ Build 2–3 tiers of horizontal plank racks inside for stacking yams.
○ Ensure gaps for ventilation.
2. Ventilation Holes
○ Leave small openings under the roof or in upper wall planks.
3. Pest Protection
○ Wrap posts with rat guards (smooth metal or PVC collars).
○ Apply termite treatment to posts before construction.
7. Finishing Touches
● Mud Plastering (optional): Plaster mud brick base with a clay-sand mix for extra weather resistance.
● Drainage Ditch: Dig a shallow trench around the barn to divert rainwater.
● Door Lock: Install a simple latch to keep the barn secure.
8. Maintenance Tips
● Inspect the roof after storms and replace loose nails.
● Check planks for rot; replace as needed.
● Reapply mud plaster to the base annually.
Keep surroundings clear of tall grass to reduce pest hiding places.
Budget ($600)
Mud bricks (≈322 pcs) – $130
Corrugated iron roofing sheets (≈20 pcs) – $180
Treated timber posts, beams & rafters (10 posts) – $100
Roofing screws, nails & bolts – $35
Sand, clay & lime for mortar/plaster – $35
Cement for foundation & brick capping (3 bags) – $36
Wire mesh for ventilation & rodent control – $26
Wooden planks for shelving (≈58 pcs) – $38
Paint, limewash & termite treatment – $20
(hinges, lock, rope, safety gear) – $20
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?