|SHELTERS FOR ANIMALS AND GRAIN STORAGE
Definition characters description and diffusion
In the Neolithic age, the selection and classification for use of crop seeds and domestic animals required the building of grain storage spaces and shelters for animals and human beings: this laid the bases for architecture.
General characters description and diffusion
Nowadays, in Africa, selected seed for the following season's planting is often kept above the fireplace inside the house. The storage systems are well adapted to the ecosystem. Groundnuts, maize, millet grains and beans are often mixed with ash and kept in bins made from straw and loam. In humid areas, traditional granaries are used for the storage of maize. The principle in use is the need for good ventilation of the often wet-harvested maize. Some farmers store maize seed on the cobs hung from a tree. Some farmers mix plants with botanical potential such as leaves with their stored products. Beans may also be stored mixed with sand in bins. The farmers tap the storage bins lightly so that the beans are completely surrounded by sand. This results in a situation where beetles cannot move enough to copulate, and the sand damages their shields, which causes them to dry out.
Advantages and sustainability
Diverse storage methods for storing grains etc. are adapted to different climates and used in an attempt to store properly the grains while preventing beetles and other insects from interfering with the drying grains.