Storage Technology

Small-Scale Grain Storage: Improved Rhumbu Structures

The improved rhumbu adds elevation, rodent guards, plastic airtight lining, and flow design to the traditional mud grain store — extending safe storage beyond 6 months.

NSPRI Executive Director Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute

📅 June 22, 2026 ⏱ 1 min read 👁 2 views 💬 0 comments

storage grains NSPRI

The traditional rhumbu — a mud grain store made from clay, wood, and bamboo — has been updated with modern engineering modifications to improve its efficiency:

Elevation: The structure is raised 1.2 meters off the ground on sturdy support posts to protect it from damp soil and rainwater runoff.
Pest Barriers: Mechanical rodent guards are fitted to the support posts to block climbing pests.
Airtight Construction: Sheets of plastic lining are sandwiched between layers of clay to make the structure airtight.
Flow Design: Top-loading inlets and bottom discharge gates allow for smooth grain rotation, keeping grain safe for over 6 months.

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