Bioenergy Crops
Crops for Renewable Energy
Cultivation of plant species for use in producing biofuels, electricity, and thermal energy.
ZEFRA is a low-cost, zero-emission seed storage solution designed for subsistence farmers in rural Africa. Constructed from locally available materials, the silo uses natural ventilation and insulation techniques to maintain stable internal conditions, protecting seeds from heat, humidity, and pests.
Developed for application in Northern Mozambique, ZEFRA extends the shelf life of harvested seeds and grains, significantly reducing post-harvest losses and preventing spoilage during the critical hunger gap from October to January. By ensuring food availability beyond the harvest season, the silo contributes directly to household food security and resilience.
Its passive design requires no electricity, making it especially suitable for off-grid, drought-prone communities facing the impacts of climate change. ZEFRA is scalable, replicable, and adaptable to other regions with similar climatic and socio-economic conditions.
