Analysis of Preservative Methods Used in the Storage of Cowpea Grain by Farmers and Marketers in Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria

The study analyzed the preservative methods used in the storage of cowpea grain by farmers and marketers in Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria. The study aimed to identify the types of chemicals used in preservation of cowpea by the respondents, compare the shelf life of cowpea grains using different method of storage, ascertain the effects of each measure on human health, identify the most effective measure of storage and the constraints associated with each of the method used as a treatment. Experimental and survey research design was used for the study. The former involves practical experimentation with chemicals / method used in the storage of cowpea which required Randomized Complete Block Design (RBCD) of 5x5 which will serve as Replication 1 and 2, while the later will make use of questionnaire to achieve objectives I, III and IV. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and graph. The result unveiled that most of the farmers and marketers (88%) in the study area make used of aluminum phosphide in storing beans grain. It was found that cowpea grains stored using pics sac (125kg), pepper (124kg), Dichlorophous (124kg), permethrin (125kg), aluminum phosphide (125kg), jerry can (125kg) and drum (125kg) were of tremendously aid in the control of insect infestation as the weight of the grains stored did not loss. The use of chemicals in storing of cowpea grain have negative effect on human health. The most effective means for storing grains include pics sac, pepper, jerry can and drum as the maintain both the quality and quantity of cowpea grains. The constraints associated with the method used in storing cowpea grains include most of the device requires air tight that is anaerobic condition in the vacuum which one have to be vigilant. not suitable for large storage, time consuming and pics sac might be damage by rodents. The study recommends that there is need for public enlighten campaign on the health hazard of chemicals used in the storing of cowpea grains through National Orientation Agency and both governmental and non-governmental organizations should assist in assist in the provision of some of the storage devices that cannot make use of chemical as preventive.