In the face of rapid urbanization and climate instability, traditional food storage and preservation systems in Northeastern Ghana are at risk of being lost. This project documents the indigenous knowledge behind granary construction in the Gambaga escarpment region of Nakpanduri. The escarpment area boasts well-preserved granaries in rock shelters, while archaeological evidence attests to approximately 4000 years of settlement on the escarpment throughout major political and environmental crises. As such, granary construction and use may be a material architectural and social intervention in response to environmental change and political unrest.
Sagarib Alhassan standing next to his triple pedestal granary. Photo credit: Eli Kuto, 2020.
A drone image of some endangered granaries at Tusuk. Photo credit: Eli Kuto, 2023.
A drone image of some ancient granaries overhanging on a cliff in Nakpanduri. Photo credit: Eli Kuto, 2023.
A gigantic granary constructed with a combination of stone slabs and adobe to fit the decking/roof of a rock shelter. Photo credit: Eli Kuto, 2023.
Bidorg Kpamwang demonstrating the construction of a multiple chamber-triple pedestal granary. Photo credit: Rexford Kedze, 2025.
Single pedestal granary with an opening to the neck, constructed to fit the roof of a rock shelter in Nakpanduri. Photo credit: Eli Kuto, 2020.
One of the surviving, dilapidated granaries under a rock shelter in Nakpanduri. Photo credit: Eli Kuto, 2025.
A weathered granary under a rock shelter. Photo credit: Rexford Kedze, 2025.
A close look at the wall of a granary constructed using stone slabs (carefully placed) and adobe. Photo credit: Eli Kuto, 2025.
A contemporary triple pedestal granary in Kpatritinga. Photo credit: Eli Kuto, 2020.
Bidorg demonstrating the process. Photo credit: Rexford Kedze, 2025.
Bidorg and Isako demonstrating the process of admixing straw grass with clay to ensure structural integrity of a granary. Photo credit: Rexford Kedze, 2025.
A granary under a rock shelter whose base is constructed with rocks to potentially ensure its structural integrity. Photo credit: Rexford Kedze, 2024.
Granaries with openings at their base and top, while one looks partially broken. Photo credit: Eli Kuto, 2020.
Mr Kombian demonstration the process of constructing the pedestals of a granary. Photo credit: Eli Kuto, 2020.
Although previous ethnographic studies in the area demonstrate the social and material importance of granary use, this ancient indigenous knowledge is under-documented and endangered. We therefore plan to document the technological, social repertoires, and ruptures and continuity of this Indigenous Knowledge System in Nakpanduri. Unlike modern silos, these earthen granaries represent a sophisticated synergy between local ecology and social organization. This project will produce a comprehensive archive of the granaries through audiovisual recording, photography, 3D imaging, and the collection of oral history. By documenting this indigenous knowledge, the project seeks to preserve an endangered technological heritage as a viable, climate-resilient alternative for food storage and architectural conservation.
PI: Emmanuel Elikplim Kuto
Collaborator: Mr. Bidorg Kpamwang
Research Location: Nakpanduri, Tusuk, Kpatritinga, Ghana
Host Institution: Northwestern University
Bidorg Kpamwang (Co-applicant)
Rexford Kedze (Research assistant)
Top Banner Image: Multiple granaries under the Bofiat rock shelter near Nakpanduri. Photo credit: Eli Kuto, 2020.
