Grain Silo for Gada-Ko Humanist Women

Niger-state Nigeria

Members:

1. Saidu Raheena

2. Peter Faith

3. Adijat nasir

5. Nasiru Adijat

6. Usman Saidat

7. Ganiyu Balikis

8. Lasisi Aminat

9. Adams Naomi

10. Gabriel Blessing

11. Titus Marvelous

12. Abdulkareem Suliyat

13. Azeez Aisha

14. Rasheed Halimah

15. Sulaiman Fausat

16. Abubakar Jemima

17. Yusuf Haliyat

18. Ibrahim Kahiratu

19. Rahmotu Ndagi

20. SHukura Abdulateef

Email:  adijatnasiru66@gmail.com

Phone: 08168156002

What does humanism mean to your group?

In Gada-Ko village, a group of women is leading a transformative movement rooted in humanism, rejecting religion and its patriarchal practices. They openly identify as humanists, guided by reason, equality, and compassion rather than divine beliefs. These women believe that religion has historically oppressed them, dictating how they should live, dress, and behave. By rejecting religious doctrines, they have reclaimed their voices and agency.

Their humanism is action-oriented: they organize health workshops, run informal schools for girls, and advocate for the marginalized. They believe education, not faith, is the path to liberation, declaring that knowledge gives power not prayers. The women are vocal about gender equality, challenging discriminatory customs and mentoring young girls to aspire beyond domestic roles.

They also promote peace through dialogue rather than relying on divine intervention. Their environmental efforts are driven by responsibility to future generations, not fear of divine punishment. Through sustainable farming and rational practices, they embody ethical living.

Above all, the women of Gada-Ko advocate for the liberation of women worldwide from gender violence, economic exploitation, and religious control. For them, humanism is not just a belief but a way of life that empowers them to build a just and compassionate society.

Project Description

This project seeks to empower the Humanist Women Group in the Gada-Ko Community through the construction of grain silos. These facilities will be essential for supporting sustainable agriculture and improving post-harvest management for women farmers in the community.

The silos will be constructed using locally sourced mud, making the structures both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. These materials are not only sustainable and readily available within the community, but also well-suited to the local climate. The combination of traditional knowledge and durable materials will ensure that the facilities are long-lasting and culturally appropriate, while also minimizing construction costs and environmental impact.

The justification for these projects lies in the pressing challenges faced by women farmers in Gada-Ko. Many experience significant post-harvest losses due to poor storage, leading to food insecurity, economic instability, and wasted labor. Similarly, the lack of proper composting methods limits soil fertility and forces reliance on costly or harmful chemical fertilizers. These problems not only threaten the livelihoods of the women but also undermine broader community well-being.

By addressing these issues directly, the project will bring immense benefits to the Humanist Women Group. The grain silos will protect stored grains from pests, moisture, and contamination, allowing the women to store produce safely until market conditions are favorable.

Overall, this initiative will significantly boost the productivity, food security, and income-generating potential of the Humanist Women Group. It will promote sustainable farming practices, reduce environmental degradation, and empower women with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive. By supporting this project, HuMAN is not only investing in rural development but also fostering a model of community-led sustainability grounded in humanist principles.

Steps In Building Grain Silos

Grain silo

1. Planning and Site Selection

1. Choose a Suitable Site

○ Slightly elevated ground to prevent flooding.

○ Away from waste dumps, animal pens, and termite nests.

○ Easy to access for filling and emptying.

2. Determine the Capacity

○ Small family silo: 1–2 tonnes of grain → about 2 m diameter × 2.5 m height.

○ Larger community silo: scale up proportionally.

3. Mark the Layout

○ Use a peg and string to draw a perfect circle (diameter as planned).

2. Materials and Tools Needed

Materials

● Mud bricks — about 250–400 (for circular wall base).

● Wooden planks — for upper wall and interior lining.

● Corrugated iron sheets — for conical or pitched roof.

● Treated timber posts — for structural support.

● Nails (assorted sizes).

● Roofing nails with washers.

● Rat guards — smooth metal or PVC collars.

● Clay/mud mortar — for laying bricks.

● Bitumen or waterproof coating — optional for added moisture protection.

● Gravel or stones — for base drainage.

Tools

● Hoe, shovel, spade.

● Trowel.

● Measuring tape.

● Spirit level or plumb line.

● Hammer.

● Saw or axe.

● Ladder.

3. Foundation Construction

1. Excavate Foundation

○ Dig a circular trench: 20–30 cm deep × 20 cm wide.

2. Base Drainage

○ Spread gravel or stones at the trench bottom for drainage.

3. Set Corner & Mid Posts

○ For small silos: 4–6 evenly spaced posts around the circle.

○ Posts should be buried 50–60 cm deep and treated against rot.

4. Raise Mud Brick Base

○ Build 3–4 courses (layers) of mud bricks in a circle.

○ This elevates the structure to prevent ground moisture from reaching the grain.

4. Wall Construction

1. Frame the Wall

○ Between the posts, attach horizontal wooden planks from the top of the mud brick base upwards.

○ Leave no gaps between planks to prevent small pests entering.

2. Interior Lining

○ Optionally, line the inside with tight wooden planks or bamboo mats plastered with mud to make it airtight.

3. Door Opening

○ Leave a small filling door near the top (about 40×40 cm) for pouring in grain.

○ Leave a discharge opening near the base (about 30×30 cm) with a closable wooden hatch.

5. Roof Installation

1. Roof Frame

○ Create a conical or pitched roof frame from rafters fixed to the top ring of the wall.

○ Ensure a slope of at least 30° for rain runoff.

2. Fix Corrugated Iron Sheets

○ Start from the lower edge, overlapping sheets by at least one ridge.

○ Secure with roofing nails and washers.

3. Overhang

○ Extend the roof at least 30 cm beyond the wall to protect it from rain.

4. Ventilation Cap

○ At the peak, leave a small vent hole (covered with fine mesh) to allow hot air out while keeping pests away.

6. Pest and Moisture Protection

1. Rat Guards

○ Fit smooth metal or PVC collars around posts about 50 cm above ground.

2. Mud Plastering

○ Plaster the outer mud brick base with a clay-sand mix for weather resistance.

3. Seal All Gaps

○ Use clay or bitumen to close any tiny cracks in walls or around openings.

4. Drainage Ditch

○ Dig a shallow trench around the silo to divert rainwater.

7. Filling and Storage Practices

1. Dry Grain Properly

○ Moisture content should be below 13% before storage.

2. Loading

○ Pour grain in through the upper filling door, then close and seal.

3. Unloading

○ Use the lower discharge hatch to control grain flow.

8. Maintenance

● Inspect the roof regularly for leaks.

● Replaster mud brick base yearly.

● Keep surroundings clear of weeds and debris.

● Check rat guards and replace if damaged.

Budget -

Silos ($600)

Sun-dried clay bricks (200 pcs) – $120 

Corrugated iron sheets (8 pcs) – $140

Timber posts, beams & purlins (treated) – $80

Roofing screws, nails, bolts & washers – $35

Sand, clay, and lime mortar materials – $40

Cement for foundation & plaster (2 bags) – $24

Wire mesh & rat guard sheets – $28

Paint, limewash, termite treatment – $36

Hinges, lock, handle & hatch materials – $22

rope, safety gear, small tools – $75

Expected Income

The construction of the brick-and-corrugated iron grain silo can be completed within 6–8 weeks, with 3 weeks allocated for site preparation and foundations, 3 weeks for structural work and roofing, and up to 2 additional weeks for interior fittings, ventilation systems, and finishing. Once operational,  the grain silo can hold 5 tonnes of maize or similar crops, earning roughly $437 annually through reduced post-harvest losses and seasonal price premiums.

Benefits to your Community

● Reduces post-harvest losses for grains.

● Increases farmers’ income through seasonal price advantages.

● Improves food security by ensuring year-round availability.

● Creates local jobs during construction and operation.

● Promotes organic farming through compost production.

● Enhances soil fertility with locally produced compost.

● Encourages sustainable farming practices and waste recycling.

● Strengthens community resilience against market fluctuations.