A pv-battery-powered 12v gas membrane

Around half of agricultural production in sub-Sahar an Africa is ‘lost’ or ‘wasted’ due to lack of an available market, poor handling at posth arvest (methods and technology), and through poor road access. Effective postharvest pro cessing is critical to ensure small producers best access local markets and in nearby v illages. This chapter explores small portable (renewable energy-powered, oil-less) compr essors and high-pressure gas membrane technology as technical zero-emission alte rn tives to selectively purge seed and grain storage systems. The gas membrane uses in ert and non-toxic gasses (including nitrogen) which are effective in preventing product ion loss to pests (fungus, insects, and others) by use of physical and environmental barrie rs only (i.e., no chemical fumigants) to reduce conducive conditions (especially moisture ). Furthermore, the use of simple dry wood desiccants may be also a cost-effective soluti on for moisture management in sealed seed and grain storage. This chapter demonstrates t hat while proprietary gas membrane technology is expensive for sub-Saharan African sma llholders, commercial arrangements (including generic drug provision at cost) can crea te a viable tool and foster food security by improved storage for various production conditio ns under variable climate.