Chapter 3: To construct farm structures

Constructing farm structures is a fundamental skill for animal production professionals in Kenya, where well-designed facilities support animal welfare, improve productivity, and ensure efficient resource use. This chapter focuses on the practical and technical aspects of farm structure construction, emphasizing selecting suitable sites, understanding critical terminology, and employing appropriate equipment. Proper construction practices contribute to sustainable farming operations, reduce operational costs, and comply with regulations from bodies such as the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and county agricultural offices.

3.1 Farm structure construction

Farm structure construction is the building of the physical facilities that support livestock production: animal houses, feed stores, water points, fences and waste handling units. A structure that is well built stays dry, safe and easy to clean for many years, while a poorly built one leaks, cracks and injures animals. This topic covers the terms used on a construction site, the choice of a suitable site and the tools and equipment used to build and keep farm structures in good order.

3.1.1 Definition of terms

Construction work has its own vocabulary. Builders, farmers and technicians must use the same words so that instructions on site are understood and drawings are read correctly.

Components of farm structures

• Animal housing: Enclosures that give shelter, protection from weather and a controlled environment for livestock, such as a poultry house, a dairy cow shed or a pigsty.
• Feed storage units: Stores, granaries or silos that protect feed from rain, pests and contamination so that its quality is kept.
• Fencing: Barriers that keep animals inside the planned area and keep out predators and thieves.
• Waste management facilities: Installations such as manure pits, compost sheds or biogas digesters that handle animal waste safely.
• Watering systems: Troughs, tanks and pipes that give animals continuous access to clean water.

Construction terminology

• Foundation: The base that carries the whole building and spreads its weight to the ground.
• Superstructure: The part of the building above the foundation, including walls, roof and openings.
• Floor: The surface on which animals stand, which must be firm, non-slip and easy to wash.
• Load-bearing elements: Columns, beams and walls that carry the weight of the structure and the roof.
• Ventilation: The design features, such as open eaves and wire mesh openings, that let fresh air move through the house and carry out moisture and ammonia.
• Insulation: Materials or design features that reduce the effect of extreme heat and cold inside the structure.

Materials commonly used

• Timber: Used for roof frames, partitions and fencing posts because it is easy to cut and fix. Treated timber lasts longer in contact with soil.
• Concrete: Used for foundations, floors and troughs because it is strong and does not rot. It is made by mixing cement, sand, ballast and water.
• Corrugated iron sheets: A widely used roofing material that sheds rain and is light to fix.
• Wire mesh: Used in fences and ventilation openings to give security and airflow.
• Plastic sheets: Used for temporary covers, for brooder curtains or as a damp-proof layer under concrete floors.
• Stone and building blocks: Used for walls and foundations where a durable, cool wall is needed.

3.1.2 Site selection

The site decides how healthy the animals will be, how easy the farm is to run and how long the structure will last. The planner studies natural features first and then practical and legal matters before any digging starts.

Environmental considerations

• Topography: A slightly raised site with a gentle slope drains well and avoids waterlogging and flooding, which cause disease and damage walls.
• Soil type: Firm, well-drained soil gives a stable base for foundations. Soft or waterlogged soil needs deeper foundations or should be avoided.
• Water availability: A site close to clean water lowers the cost and effort of supplying animals and washing the house.
• Wind direction: Houses are sited so that wind does not blow cold draughts or dust straight into them, while manure areas are placed downwind of the house and the homestead.
• Sunlight exposure: Sunlight dries floors and reduces dampness. The long side of a house is normally placed to avoid strong direct sun inside in hot areas.

Accessibility and infrastructure

• Road access: A track that can be used in all seasons allows feed, veterinary services and market vehicles to reach the structure.
• Proximity to other facilities: Siting a structure near the feed store, water point and manure area saves time and labour.
• Electricity and water supply: Where power is available it supports lighting, ventilation fans and milking or egg-handling equipment.
• Distance from residences: A buffer between the animal house and homes reduces smell, noise and flies.
• Security: A site that can be watched from the homestead and fenced is safer from theft and predators.

Legal and regulatory factors

• Zoning and land use: The land must be used in a way that the local land-use rules allow, to avoid disputes.
• Environmental protection: Structures and waste areas are kept away from rivers, springs and protected land so that water is not polluted.
• Building approvals: Where approval is required for a building, it is obtained before work starts so that standards of construction and safety are met.
• Waste disposal: The site must allow animal waste to be handled and disposed of without harming neighbours or water sources.
• Community relations: Informing neighbours and local leaders early helps the project proceed without conflict.

3.1.3 Farm structure tools and equipment

Good construction needs the right tools and equipment, chosen according to the size of the farm, the kind of structure and the resources available. A small sheep pen can be built with hand tools alone, while a large cattle shed floor needs a concrete mixer.

3.1.3.1 Uses of farm structures tools and equipment

Each tool has a specific job, and using it for that job gives accurate work and protects the user.

• Setting out: The tape measure, pegs, string line and plumb bob mark where walls, posts and trenches will be, so that the building matches the plan.
• Excavation: Spades, shovels and post-hole diggers open the trenches and holes for foundations and posts.
• Mixing and moving materials: The concrete mixer produces a uniform mix, and wheelbarrows carry materials and wet concrete to where they are needed.
• Cutting and fixing timber: Saws cut roof members, partitions and gates to size, and hammers drive the nails that join them.
• Checking levels and verticals: The spirit level shows whether a floor, trough or wall is level, and the plumb bob shows whether it is straight upright.
• Finishing: Trowels spread and smooth mortar, plaster and floor screed so that surfaces are even and easy to clean.
• Fencing: Post-hole diggers and wire strainers are used to set the posts and tighten the wire of a paddock fence.

3.1.3.2 Maintenance of farm structures tools and equipment

Tools that are cleaned, stored and repaired last longer and are safer to use.

• Concrete mixers should be washed out immediately after use so that cement does not harden inside the drum, because hardened cement reduces the capacity and wears the mixer.
• Spades, shovels and trowels should be scraped clean, dried and lightly oiled to prevent rust.
• Saws should be sharpened when they begin to drag and the blade kept dry and covered when stored.
• Hammers should be checked for loose heads and cracked handles, which are replaced before use.
• Spirit levels and plumb bobs should be handled with care and checked against a known level or upright surface, because a knocked tool gives wrong readings.
• Wheelbarrows need clean trays, greased wheel bearings and correctly inflated tyres.
• All tools are kept in a dry, lockable store, hung or placed in racks, and counted after each job so that none is lost.

Chapter Summary

This chapter focused on the construction of farm structures, beginning with the definition of key terms relevant to farm building and their functions. It then explored the critical factors involved in site selection, emphasizing the importance of choosing an appropriate location to ensure durability and functionality. The discussion proceeded to identify the essential tools and equipment required for farm structure construction, highlighting their specific uses in various building tasks. Proper maintenance practices for these tools and equipment were also detailed to prolong their service life and ensure safety during operation. The chapter concluded by addressing the principles of designing farm structures, taking into account the needs of the farm, environmental conditions, and resource availability to create efficient and sustainable buildings.