Climate Change and its Implications on Stored Food Grains

Abstract

Among the risks that the changing climate trends pose to various sectors, the effect of climate change on grain storage is an overlooked concept. The paper reviews the effect of climate change on the major components of stored-grain ecosystems and the system as a whole. In general, the effects of climate change on the quality of stored grain can be considered direct or indirect. Direct effects include role of climate change on the growth and developmental cycles of biotic components such as insect pests and indirect effects include the effect of rising global temperatures on grain drying conditions and other post-harvest unit operations that would ultimately affect stored grain quality. The effects on stored grains forecasted in both tropical and temperate regions of the world are summarised. The importance of mathematical modelling and the directions for research that can mitigate the effects of global climate change on stored food grain are also highlighted.