Investigation of Traditional Crop Storage Pest Control Methods in Western Ethiopia

Agriculture is the primary occupation for rural Africans and people living in the DalleSadi, Ethiopia. However, crop loss remains a significant constraints. This study aimed to investigate traditional crop storage pest control methods within the district, where 384 respondents were taken randomly. Questionnaires and interviews were employed to assemble data from farmers, while the focal discussion was used for agricultural sector officers. This study found that insects, birds, and rodents have prevailed as storage loss agents. Insects were the most frequently occurring storage pest compared with others. For many crop storage pests, the infestation time was within the wet (50%) followed by the dry (30%) season, with some outbreaks in both seasons (20%). Aeration, mixing maize with teff, millet, chili, and wood ash, and covering the storage structure with junk to control storage pests. Aeration (76.1%) was used most often followed by mixing the crop with chili (71.1%). This study confirmed that traditional storage, including ‘Gumbi,’ ‘Gombisa’ gotara, and Polyethylene bags, was advisable. Especially, Gumbi’ and ‘Gombisa’ gotara were employed and frequently used as they prevent cereal damage from birds and rodents which can contribute to the reduction of the current level of post-harvest losses; these containers are essential to improve the livelihood of farmers and food security as a whole. However, the efficiency of these methods was not well studied, so further studies on efficiency are needed.