Post-Harvest Machinery & Supplies

Kumasi Humanist Collective

Kumasi, Ghana

philipadwoa8@gmail.com

+233 54 812 4792

I am Adwoa, a humanist from Kumasi, and to me humanism means relying on reason, compassion, and shared human responsibility rather than belief in supernatural authority. It is about improving people’s lives through practical action, cooperation, and critical thinking. This project reflects those values by focusing on self-reliance, sustainability, and community-driven solutions to real challenges such as food security and income generation.

Project Description

Following the successful implementation of our year-round community garden, the Kumasi Humanist Collective now seeks to address critical post-harvest challenges that limit the full benefits of our agricultural production. While the initial project enabled us to produce significant quantities of yam and maize, we experienced losses and reduced income due to lack of proper storage and inefficient processing methods.

This proposal focuses on three key interventions: the construction of a yam barn, the installation of a small-scale grain storage silo, and the acquisition of a petrol-powered maize shelling machine. These additions will significantly reduce post-harvest losses, improve efficiency, and increase income.

The yam barn will provide a well-ventilated structure for storing harvested yams, extending their shelf life and preventing spoilage. The grain silo will protect maize from moisture, pests, and contamination, allowing safe storage and enabling sales when market prices are more favorable. The petrol-powered maize sheller will replace manual shelling, reducing labor time, improving processing speed, and enhancing grain quality.

Together, these improvements will transform the project from basic production into a more efficient and sustainable agricultural system with higher returns.

Budget

Wood poles, bamboo, and rope for yam barn construction – $150

Roofing sheets (for yam barn) – $120

Nails, binding wire, and basic construction materials – $50

Small metal/plastic grain silo materials – $200

Hermetic storage bags (additional grain protection) – $80

Petrol-powered maize shelling machine (small-scale) – $250

Transportation and installation materials – $50

Total Project Cost: USD 900

Expected Impact and Income Improvement

With proper storage and processing in place, the collective expects to reduce post-harvest losses by up to 30–40%. Improved storage will allow members to delay sales until prices increase, potentially raising income by 30–60% annually.

The maize shelling machine will significantly reduce processing time, allowing faster market access and freeing members’ time for other productive activities. The yam barn will preserve quality and extend storage duration, enabling gradual sales instead of immediate disposal after harvest.

Timeline

Month 1: Procurement of materials and equipment

Month 1–2: Construction of yam barn and silo

Month 2: Acquisition and testing of maize shelling machine

Month 3 onward: Full utilization during harvest and post-harvest periods

Benefits to the Community

This project will strengthen food security and economic stability not only for members of the Kumasi Humanist Collective but also for the wider community. By reducing waste and improving efficiency, more food will be available locally, and members will have increased income to support their households and community initiatives. The project also serves as a practical example of how small-scale farmers can improve productivity through simple, cost-effective innovations.