Climate is a major factor to consider in today’s industries, especially in agriculture and food production wherein its impacts extend to our food security and safety.
As agriculture heavily relies on natural resources, climate has direct effects on its productivity. Climatic changes – such as temperature, rainfall, severity, and duration – affect the lands, waters, and natural conditions that crops need, impacting their growth while possibly limiting the varieties that can be cultivated in the area.
Climate change also brings severe damage as it increases the occurrence of harmful pests, diseases, and harsh conditions like drought and floods.
This is even more alarming in emerging regions like Sub-Saharan Africa wherein many countries rely on agriculture. While the impact may vary across this diverse region, it is clear that many communities will be extremely vulnerable without adequate measures.
Farmers in Nigeria have seen lower yields caused by pests, outbreaks, and the drying of rivers. Cereal production in Ghana, Congo, and South Africa has also seen a decline in the past decade. Lower agricultural output affects smallholder farmer incomes and food availability, which may lead to increasing food insecurity and poverty.
Furthermore, the effects of climate change also contribute to food losses. This especially adds challenges in the post-harvest processing of dry agricultural commodities, including staple grains, seeds, and high-value crops like coffee and cocoa.
Climatic Challenges During Post-Harvest
Climate change is a proven concern throughout agricultural production, but how exactly does it affect post-harvest processing of dry agricultural commodities?
- Pests
Weeds and insects are among the main causes of damage to crops during pre-harvest. As one of the effects of climate change, rising temperatures lead to more pest activities due to notoriously disrupting their natural cycles and creating an ideal environment for them.
In post-harvest, insects remain among the leading causes of damage and losses by feeding on commodities. Without proper measures, commodities are exposed and more likely to attract pests during drying and storage.
Related: Storage Pests to Keep Out of Your Warehouse
- Severe Weather Conditions
Climate change is often characterized by severe weather and intensified climatic patterns. As heatwaves and droughts deplete water availability resulting in lower productivity, heavier rains lead to floods which can cause extensive damage to crops and infrastructures.
Related: What El Niño Means to Agriculture
Managing moisture content is crucial for dry agricultural commodities. While intense heat brings risks of over-drying and provides warmth for pests to thrive, heavy rains hinder the drying process and reintroduce moisture during storage.
Excess moisture compromises crops’ quality and safety by promoting mold growth. Additionally, this issue can also be devastating for stored seeds. Not only does mold growth damage seeds and their viability, but premature germination can easily be triggered with enough moisture.
- Growing Unpredictability
Aside from intensity, climate change has also affected the predictability of weather. Sudden and erratic weather changes have become common and, without adequate preparation, a cause of post-harvest damage.
Unpredictable weather is a big challenge for smallholder farmers who rely on traditional sun-drying. As a cost-efficient method, sun-drying relies on fair and sunny weather. Sudden rains can be a major hindrance that can lead to losses if not addressed.
Why Climate-Smart Solutions Are a Must-Have
There is no doubt that climate change has a significant impact on dry agricultural commodities, especially during the drying and storage process. However, these climate-related issues can still be addressed with proper preparation.
Climate-smart agriculture is a long-established approach aimed at achieving food security through sustainable development while addressing the impact of climate change. This approach is centered on sustainable agricultural practices and technologies that enhance resilience, reduce greenhouse emissions, and boost productivity.
Climate-smart solutions are innovations or technologies that incorporate this very concept. While similar at its core, many are specifically tailored to address certain situations and processes more efficiently.
For post-harvest, climate-smart solutions are geared to prevent food losses and preserve quality by protecting against erratic weather and storage pests. Many of these solutions also provide sustainable, chemical-free, and energy-efficient support throughout drying, storage, and even transport.
That said, climate-smart agriculture empowers communities and agribusinesses who are adversely impacted by climate change — an essential step of hope for smallholder farmers in the direction of better food security for all.
Climate-Smart Solutions for Drying and Storage
As climate change continues to bring challenges and concerns, the need for climate-smart solutions also grows. The good news is these solutions have also become more accessible today.
For post-harvest drying, one great example is the Bubble Dryer™, featuring a tunnel-type design that can protect drying commodities from small animals, spillage, contamination, and unpredictable rains.
The Bubble Dryer™ is capable of faster drying times with an average rate of 0.5% moisture content per hour for commodities like paddy and maize. Additionally, this drying solution is portable and can be easily installed on any flat surface.
Learn More: How to Use Sustainable Climate-Smart Drying Solutions
Many dry agricultural commodities undergo storage after the drying process. Hermetic Technology is one of the best climate-smart options, utilizing airtightness to create a stable internal environment that blocks out air, moisture, and external changes. This concept can operate without energy or chemicals as it eliminates pests through natural asphyxiation.
One of the reliable large-scale solutions, the Cocoon™ allows for the safe preservation of bagged dry agricultural commodities with capacities of up to 300 metric tons.
The Cocoon™ is made of flexible materials with superior airtight barriers, able to withstand floods below its zipper line. Additionally, this climate-smart hermetic storage can also be used in both indoor and outdoor settings, especially with the heat protection of the GrainShade™.
Climate-smart solutions have come a long way and will continue to improve as new issues arise.
With dedication to Storing The Future, GrainPro works to continuously develop and improve post-harvest solutions to ensure the safe preservation of dry agricultural commodities amidst the challenges of climate change.
Click the link below to learn more about our solutions.
Date Published: October 1, 2024
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