Small Scale Grain Dryers

It has been reported recently that a lot of maize is going to waste because of the prolonged rains at harvesting time. This should not be left to happen particularly at the moment when we are experiencing huge deficits and many people are going hungry in some parts of the country. In any case, why should the farmers incur losses after they have produced food to feed their families with extra for the market, when there is simple technology available elsewhere in the world, which could be easily adopted locally? I would like to challenge the Ministry of Agriculture, KARI, KIRDI, and local universities to come up with a locally designed small scale crop dryers and storage bins that may take up to two tonnes of dry cereals such as maize. The dryers should use natural air for drying to make them affordable, and as much as possible locally available materials so that they can be easily assembled at home using local craftsmen. This, I guess, is the best option available to reduce post-harvest grain losses, encourage farmers to grow more food for their families so as to ensure food security at community level.