Drying and Storage to Improve Grain Product Quality: Evidence from Senegal
Abstract
This dissertation consists of two separate but related essays, each dealing with economic impacts of poor grain quality in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Inadequately dried grain can be susceptible to fungal growth after a few weeks of storage, resulting in spoilage and lower prices. Essay one examines trader and consumer ability to detect grain moisture content (MC) via a willingness to pay auction in which participants bid on maize unlabeled and labeled with its MC. In addition to spoilage/ lower prices, the fungi that grow on wet maize may produce aflatoxins, which are carcinogens. In essay two, we examine a combination of interventions designed reduce the MC and aflatoxin levels of maize among smallholder farmers.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Ricker-Gilbert, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Agricultural economics
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