MADUAGWU Ruth Okwuchukwu, OSAKWE Godbless Sayefah, OWIE Magnus Osaruemwenmen

This systematic review examines the effectiveness and feasibility of heating and ventilation systems as critical interventions to mitigate substantial post-harvest maize losses in Nigeria, which currently range from 20% to 30%. The core challenge stems from Nigeria's humid, tropical climate, where high temperatures and relative humidity foster pest infestations, microbial growth, and the dangerous production of aflatoxins by Aspergillus species. The study finds that uncontrolled heat, particularly in structures like metal silos, encourages harmful moisture migration and spoilage , while controlled heating remains a potential solution for active grain drying. Ventilation is identified as the key defense mechanism, but its implementation is complicated: traditional natural airflow systems often fail in the humid southern regions, and powered aeration faces significant constraints due to high ambient humidity and an unreliable electricity supply.