Evaluation of Moisture Contents and Storage Conditions of Cereals and Legumes Sold in Eke-Awka Market, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Moisture content is among the most critical determinants of storage stability in cereals and legumes, directly influencing susceptibility to mold growth, insect infestation, and mycotoxin contamination. This study evaluated the moisture content and storage conditions of six commonly traded grains and legumes—maize, milled rice, sorghum, cowpea, groundnut, and soybean—sold in Eke-Awka market, Awka, Anambra State. A descriptive cross-sectional design combined laboratory determination of moisture content, using the oven-drying method (AOAC, 2000), with a structured observation and interview checklist administered to 30 vendors (five per commodity) covering storage containers, duration, pest control practices, and visible pest or mold evidence. Mean moisture content exceeded recommended safe storage limits for four of the six commodities: maize (14.8% vs. 13.0% limit), cowpea (11.4% vs. 10.0%), groundnut (9.8% vs. 8.0%), and soybean (12.1% vs. 11.0%), while rice and sorghum remained within safe limits. A one-way ANOVA confirmed significant differences in moisture content across commodities, F(5, 24) = 9.84, p < .05. Storage assessment revealed that most vendors (60.0%) used polypropylene sacks, nearly half (46.7%) stored produce for 2 to 4 weeks, and 43.3% employed no pest control measures, with visible pest or mold evidence observed in 40.0% of sampled stock. These findings indicate that a substantial share of cereals and legumes sold in Eke-Awka market are stored under conditions conducive to spoilage and potential mycotoxin risk, underscoring the need for vendor training on moisture monitoring and improved storage practices