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<div class="title"><h1>8.4 - Gloves to help subsistence farmers</h1><br><h3 class="ch-owner">Mitchell van Schepen, University of Guelph, Canada</h3></div>
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      <h3 class="title-bg">Background</h3>
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          <p>The world’s 1 billion women and girls participating in subsistence farming pull weeds by hand to improve their crops and also collect firewood for cooking, resulting in their hands becoming rough and sore (Figure 1). This can be caused by wood splinters being lodged into their skin (Schaffner, 2013). Pulling weeds for hours on end can peel away layers of skin (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2016). The hands of those farmers can also become dirty and smelly from planting seeds in the soil or spreading manure by hand. To avoid the common aforementioned problems as well as hand injuries, such as cuts and scrapes, they could wear gloves on their hands, see the second picture, (Schaffner, 2013). Gloves are very common in the modern world and can be used for construction, farming, and medical practices. Gloves provide a durable layer between the skin on your hands and whatever you are working with (Espasandín-Arias & Goossens, 2014). There are a few different materials used to make gloves, along with different sizes and grips. With over one billion women and girls working on farms around the world, this grueling work can be made safer and more efficient when wearing gloves.</p>
 
          <p>Rubber and cloth are the two main kinds of gloves produced (Melco, 2016). They both have their own benefits and drawbacks respectively. A benefit from rubber gloves is their ability to resist water from coming in contact with a farmer's skin, see part two, (Espasandín-Arias & Goossens, 2014). While cloth gloves can be beneficial because they can draw moisture away from their hands and can be easily washed to be cleaned. Because rubber gloves are usually meant to be disposed of after single use they tend to be cheaper to make and thus cheaper to buy. Yet some rubber gloves can be made thicker to reuse and are slightly more durable (Melco, 2016). Cloth gloves are designed to be washed after being used and last a long time under normal working conditions.</p>
 
          <p>Along with the different materials gloves are made of, there are also different arm lengths. Some gloves are cut off just in front or around the wrist. While others can be up to and over the elbow and everywhere in between (Melco, 2016). The benefits of the shorter gloves is comfort, no bunching around wrist or elbow, and they can be quickly put on or removed. The benefits of the long gloves are more protection, the entire forearm will be covered. All the while there is less of a chance of getting debris in their gloves because the opening is farther away from what you are working with. Farmers can also work in deeper water or mud with the long rubber gloves without getting your hands wet.</p>
 
          <p>When working with smooth items such as hoes and some fruits and vegetables they can be slippery (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2016). A way to help farmer's hold on to the tools is to get gloves with grips (Melco, 2016). Both rubber and cloth gloves can have grips. Rubber gloves will have ridges in the molds to form grips and granular materials can be added to the outside before drying (Melco, 2016). Another option is to make the rubber gloves out of a non-slip rubber (Melco, 2016). Because cloth alone does not provide grip, cloth gloves must be dipped in liquid rubber to be able to grip smooth objects. The rubber used for grips on cloth gloves can either be non-slip smooth rubber or be rigid (Melco, 2016). </p>
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      <h3 class="title-bg">Physical Protection</h3>
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          <p>Protection is the main benefit from using gloves. Repetitive motions, such as when pounding grain, can cause irritation to the skin. When collecting firewood the sticks and logs can scratch or cut the skin (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2016). Weeds can be rough and by scratching their hands many times they can become cut and sore (Espasandín-Arias & Goossens, 2014). By lifting and pulling heavy items the top layer of your skin will separate from the next, causing a blister, by wearing gloves they now will prevent blistering because the glove will act as the top layer of skin and prevent the actual skin from separating (Schaffner, 2013).  Manure has a lot of bacteria in it which are harmful if they are swallow, so keeping them away from the hands used to eat with is very beneficial (Furlong, et al., 2015). If farmers are working with firewood or in construction the cloth gloves will work better because they are more durable (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2016). The disposable rubber gloves would be the worst to use in this scenario because they are so thin, stick to jobs were the main goals are to keep hands dry and dirt free when using disposable rubber gloves.</p>
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      <h3 style="background: #FBB03B;padding: 15px;font-weight: 600;color: #000;font-size: 22px;margin:unset;text-align:center;">Defense Against Moisture and Chemicals</h3>
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          <p>Moisture blocking is a way gloves can prevent your skin from drying out and from getting too wet and dehydrating farmer's hands. By keeping the moisture from the hands inside the gloves they will prevent the skin from cracking and becoming infected (Schaffner, 2013). As well when working in wet conditions your hands can shrivel and become dehydrated if they are constantly in contact with water.</p>
          <p>Pesticides can be absorbed by your skin and become harmful to the body, gloves provide an extra barrier to block them from entering in a farmer's body (Furlong, et al., 2015). Fertilizers such as nitrogen can also be caustic, and these are usually spread through broadcasting by hand. Mud can get under your nails and into cracked or cut skin and can infect a farmer's hands. Gloves will keep the mud out and keep hands clean. Both liquid pesticides and dry fertilizers can irritate skin if they come into contact with it (Kim, et al., 2013). Wearing the proper gloves, rubber ones in this case, can save their hands from becoming itchy (Keeble et al., 1996). Human skin can also absorb the pesticides which are harmful to your body, wearing gloves would prevent the pesticides from ever touching your skin.</p>
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      <h3 class="title-bg">Wearable</h3>
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          <p>Comfortable gloves help farmer's work longer because their hands will not hurt from completing your task. Sizing is very important when finding comfortable gloves (Melco, 2016). Make sure gloves are the proper length and width, as not to restrict movement. There will be less pain from pulling weeds and they will be able to pull more weeds because they would not have to wait a long for the pain to subside between pulling each weed, because there will be no pain if wearing gloves (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2016). If farmer's find they are working hard and their hands start to sweat the gloves should be removed , dry your hands, and put on a new pair. Cloth gloves are more breathable then rubber ones, using them is another way to prevent hands from getting sweaty. The cloth gloves can also be softer and easier to clean, but are more restricting to movement due to their durability and tougher material. Since children will also be farming, smaller glove sizes can be found. Gloves are designed to fit a farmer's hand snugly, so children should not wear adult sized gloves when working. </p>
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      <h3 class="title-bg">Constraints To Adoption</h3>
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          <p>Gloves are very useful to farmers, but there can still be some drawbacks. Possible culturable taboos might vary from location to location. Gloves might seem feminine and not easily adopted by men in the community. Gloves act as a second, tougher skin, but they are not a farmer's skin and can slide around while working. This may feel odd and uncomfortable but farmers can get used to the new feeling over time. Gloves can come in many colours and thicknesses, which may make a farmer's hands look funny or larger. Human skin is very stretchy and flexible, while glove materials tend to be tougher than skin and will reduce movement, but not enough to hinder work. Rubber gloves can stretch well, but make hands sweat, while cloth gloves are breathable but reduce dexterity.</p>
          <p>Farmers can find gloves to use and get started from local vendors (European Commission For The Control Of Foot-And-Mouth Disease, 2016). Once you have completed your work for the day you can clean them are reuse them, or dispose of them if they were ripped or torn (Kim, et al., 2013). You can get gloves made of rubber and like materials as well as ones made of durable cloths. The thin rubber gloves tend to be made for a single use only. A trick that the European Commission For The Control Foot-And-Mouth Disease mentions that you can wear two pairs of rubber gloves at the same time for extra protection (European Commission For The Control Of Foot-And-Mouth Disease, 2016).</p>
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      <h3 class="title-bg">Helpful Links To Get Started </h3>
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          <p>Here are websites to find more information about how to obtain gloves:</p>
          <p>[https://www.alibaba.com/ Alibaba]</p>
          <p>[https://www.indiamart.com/ Indiamart]</p>
          <p>[http://www.store.nzfarmsource.co.nz/ Store Nzfarmsource]</p>
          <p>[https://www.adenna.com Adenna]</p>
          <p>[https://www.farmcity.co.za/ Farmcity]</p>
          <p>[https://www.crazystore.co.za/ Crazystore]</p>
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      <h3 class="title-bg">Usefull Images</h3>
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      <h3 class="title-bg">References</h3>
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          <p>Espasandín-Arias, M., & Goossens, A. (2014). Natural rubber gloves might not protect against skin penetration of methylisothiazolinone. Contact Dermatitis, 70(4), 249-251. doi:10.1111/cod.12221</p>
          <p>European Commission For The Control Of Foot-And-Mouth Disease. Suggested FMD PPE guidelines - Food and Agriculture, (2016)
          Food and Agriculture Organization. Rural women in household production: Increasing contributions and persisting drudgery. (2016).
          </p>
          <p>Furlong, M., Tanner, C. M., Goldman, S. M., Bhudhikanok, G. S., Blair, A., Chade, A., . . . Kamel, F. (2015). Protective glove use and hygiene habits modify the associations of specific pesticides with Parkinson's disease. Environment International, 75, 144-150. doi:10.1016/j.envint.2014.11.002</p>
          <p>Keeble, V. B., Correll, L., & Ehrich, M. (1996). Effect of Laundering on Ability of Glove Fabrics to Decrease the Penetration of Organophosphate Insecticides Through in vitro Epidermal Systems. J. Appl. Toxicol. Journal of Applied Toxicology, 16(5), 401-406. doi:10.1002/(sici)1099-1263(199609)16:53.3.co;2-6</p>
          <p>Kim, J., Kim, J., Cha, E., Ko, Y., Kim, D., & Lee, W. (2013). Work-Related Risk Factors by Severity for Acute Pesticide Poisoning Among Male Farmers in South Korea. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 10(3), 1100-1112. doi:10.3390/ijerph10031100</p>
          <p>Melco, M. (2016). Gardening Gloves. Retrieved from [http://garden.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Gardening_Gloves Garden Lovetoknow]</p>
          <p>Schaffner, A. D. (2013). Minimizing Surgical Skin Incision Scars with a Latex Surgical Glove. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 37(2), 463-463. doi:10.1007/s00266-013-0071-y</p>
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Latest revision as of 10:47, 5 September 2024

8.4 - Hermetic grain storage bags


Gryphon Theriault-Loubier, University of Guelph, Canada

4.jpg

Related video(s): Storage bag (English translation)(English)(Source: Access Agriculture, SAK Global)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x06-2oiYhSc


Suggested citation for this chapter.

Theriault-Loubier,G (2022) Hermetic grain storage bags. In Farmpedia, The Encyclopedia for Small Scale Farmers. Editor, M.N. Raizada, University of Guelph, Canada. http://www.farmpedia.org

Introduction

Though often overlooked, effective and affordable food storage technology desperately needs implementation in the developing world to protect from a wide variety of pests such as insects, rodents, and fungi.

Hermetically Sealed Technology

Principles

Hermetically Sealed Technology (HST) has been proven to be highly effective at preserving grains in many studies. A HST, when properly sealed and maintained, prevents the exchange of oxygen and moisture between the outside atmosphere and the stored grain (IRRI, 2004). This lack of oxygen creates an anaerobic environment; pests which rely on an aerobic environment, like fungal molds and insects are effectively controlled without the use of pesticides or other inputs, which are often out of reach for subsistence farmers (Kamanula et al., 2011).

HSTs have been found to be effective for storage of rice, cocoa beans, coffee, corn, dates, flour, millet, sorghum, sugar and wheat amongst others (GrainPro Inc., 2013). HSTs maintain flavor and aroma, prevent rancidity in foods such as peanuts, control insects and rodents, reduce fungal growth, and maintain harvest weight effectively (GrainPro Inc., 2013). Importantly, HSTs have been found to maintain seed viability for extended periods (FAO, 2011).

In a comparison with commonly used woven polypropylene bags (WPG), hermetic grain bags (HGB) were found to cause 99.5% mortality within 60 days of some common Sub-Saharan African maize pests that were artificially placed in the bags (Ognakossan 2013). In the same study, loss of grain was between 0.5-6% using HGB compared to 19-27% in WPG. Moisture rates were also maintained in the hermetic grain bags while moisture losses occurred in the WPG.

In an economic analysis of maize storage technologies in Kenya, Kimenju and De Groote (2010) presented the results of six-month crop storage loss trials in comparing metal silos, HSTs, a common pesticide and a standard woven polypropylene bag as control. Standard polypropylene bags were found to have the highest loss (24%), compared to the HST (6.3%), and metal silos (0.5-1.7%). While metal silos are perhaps a more effective means of storage in-place, they are not portable and not practical financially for a subsistence farmer (World Bank, 2011). Kimenju and De Groote (2010) noted that metal silos would take in excess of ten years to recoup the investment, whereas HSTs have the benefit of a relatively low initial investment and high return-on-investment. In fact, hermetic sacks are being bartered in some communities throughout Africa, as they are viewed as a high value commodity (FAO, 2011). An HST, effectively implemented, benefits farmers by allowing them to control when they sell their grain, and preventing the surplus at the end of the harvest which diminishes commodity prices for all farmers (Kimenju and DeGroote, 2010).

The World Bank does note that construction of mud silos in areas that do not traditionally use them has been effective (World Bank, 2011). For example, in northern Ghana 1,000 mud silos were commissioned by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and associated organizations. It was found that in these areas, mud silos were effective in increasing effective crop storage time and preventing pest access, accounting for only 6.5 percent of losses over the study period as compared to jute bags and traditional granary structures (World Bank, 2011). However, construction of these silos requires the availability of suitable timber, which is sparse, and maintenance of the silos in the long term casts doubt over the ability of these silos to continue to offer such benefits (World Bank, 2011). Also, food security issues have encouraged individuals to store grain in their homes (often in the bedroom), and HSTs are more suitable for this (World Bank, 2011).

Critical Analysis

Grain needs to be suitably dried before being hermetically stored. Weinburg (2008) found that it is possible to store higher moisture content grain in HST, however losses do occur; it is still preferable, where possible, to dry grain adequately. Therefore, high humidity climates might find limited use if no effective method for drying foods can be practiced. The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) estimates that to effectively reduce spoilage of foods inside HSTs, grains need to be dried to less than 12-14% moisture content depending on species (IRRI, 2010).

An HST needs to be kept protected, as any punctures leading to air leakage will minimize the benefits of the technology. To protect the bag, manufacturers recommend placing the HST into an existing type of storage such as a jute bag or woven polypropylene bag. To check for leaks, manufacturers suggest gently fill the bag with air, tying the bag shut, and placing a light book or hand on top, while observing the bag to check for air loss.

The Cowpea Bag

A variant of the HST is the Purdue Improved Cowpea Storage bag, which is a triple layer bag. It includes an outer protective layer and has been found to be quite effective in the protection of cowpea from a number of insects. Purdue maintains an extensive library of videos and information on their cowpea bag.

Purchase

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) co-developed one of the leading HST technologies with GrainPro Inc. GrainPro maintains an international distribution network, which is easily accessed through their site.

Large commercial systems cost about $100-130 per tonne, with an expected product life-cycle of at least ten years. Smaller scale ‘Super Bags’ cost approximately $1-2 depending on the volume of order and shipping destination. If protected from physical damage, they have been confirmed to last six growing seasons or more.

The cowpea bag can be purchased by visiting the Purdue website and consulting region specific dealers.

Practical tips

The International Rice Research Institute recommends that the grain should be dried to 12-14% moisture content. The HST should be placed inside an existing woven polypropylene bag or jute bag to provide protection. After the HST is filled with dried grain, excess air should be removed. The top of the bag should be twisted and folded into two, then tied with an elastic band or tape. The protective outer bag should also be closed. A very helpful and beautifully illustrated PDF is available through Purdue with many tips and basics

Picture Based Lesson to Train Farmers

Click on the image to access a higher resolution image as well as lessons adapted for different geographic regions.

For the South Asian version (pictures only, text for you to insert), click this link for lesson 9.4:http://www.sakbooks.com/uploads/8/1/5/7/81574912/9.4_south_asian.pdf

For the East/South Asian version (pictures only, text for you to insert), click this link for lesson 9.4:http://www.sakbooks.com/uploads/8/1/5/7/81574912/9.4e.s.a.pdf

For the Sub-Saharan Africa/Caribbean version (pictures only, text for you to insert), click this link for lesson 9.4:http://www.sakbooks.com/uploads/8/1/5/7/81574912/9.4subsaharan_africa_carribean.pdf

For the Latin-America version (pictures only, text for you to insert), click this link for lesson 9.4:http://www.sakbooks.com/uploads/8/1/5/7/81574912/9.4latin_america.pdf

Source: MN Raizada and L Smith (2016) A Picture Book of Best Practices for Subsistence Farmers. eBook, University of Guelph Sustainable Agriculture Kit (SAK) Project, June 2016, Guelph, Canada.

Further Information

The International Rice Research Institute has excellent information on grain storage (http://www.knowledgebank.irri.org/rkb/grain-storage-systems.html), and detailed information on hermetic storage including practical tips (http://www.knowledgebank.irri.org/rkb/grain-storage-systems/hermetic-storage-systems.html

References

1. Ali, S., & Villers, P. (2002). Cocoons dramatically reduce pests in store. Appropriate Technology, 29(3), 20-20.

2. Baoua, I. B., Amadou, L., Margam, V., & Murdock, L. L. (2012). Performance of triple bagging hermetic technology for postharvest storage of cowpea grain in Niger. Journal of Stored Products Research, 51, 81-85.

3. Chen, S., Zhang, M., & Wang, S. (2011). Effect of initial hermetic sealing on quality of ‘Kyoho' grapes during storage. Postharvest Biology and Technology., 59(2), 194-199.

4. Edoh Ognakossan, K., Tounou, A. K., Lamboni, Y., & Hell, K. (2013). Post-harvest insect infestation in maize grain stored in woven polypropylene and in hermetic bags. International Journal of Tropical Insect Science, 33(1), 71-81.

5. IRRI Knowledgebank

6. Kimenju, S. and De Groote, H. (2010) Economic Analysis of Alternative Maize Storage Technologies in Kenya. Contributed Paper presented at the Joint 3rd African Association of Agricultural Economists (AAAE) and 48th Agricultural Economists Association of South Africa (AEASA) Conference, Cape Town, South Africa, September 19-23, 2010.

7. Johnson, J. A., & Zettler, J. L. (2009). Response of postharvest tree nut lepidopteran pests to vacuum treatments. Journal of Economic Entomology, 102(5), 2003-2010.

8. Weinberg, Z. G., Yan, Y., Chen, Y., Finkelman, S., Ashbell, G., & Navarro, S. (2008). The effect of moisture level on high-moisture maize (zea mays L.) under hermetic storage conditions-in vitro studies. Journal of Stored Products Research, 44 (2) Pp.136-144.

9. World Bank. (2011). Missing Food: The Case of Postharvest Grain Losses in Sub-Saharan Africa. World Bank, Natural Resources Institute, and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. 1-116.

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