Aflatoxins are the result of fungal metabolites that contaminate agricultural produce and can cause death to both humans and animals. The risks of using contaminated food and feed with aflatoxins have increased due to environmental factors, pre-harvest, post-harvest and socio-economic factors. This study revealed on harvesting, drying, and sorting practices that can reduce aflatoxin contamination. Experiments were designed in three districts; Kilosa, Gairo, and Mvomero with five (5) treatments replicated nine (9) times under farmers’ conditions. Samples were collected during harvesting, drying, and sorting; and analyzed for aflatoxin B1 using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) at Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) laboratory. Analysis of variance and comparison of means for moisture content, mold levels, grain damage, and aflatoxin levels were performed using GenStat® Executable release 16 Statistical Analysis Software. Results indicated that aflatoxin contamination levels were lower at maize grain harvested into bags (456.9μg/kg) compared to maize harvesting onto the ground (889.1μg/kg). It was also observed that maize dried on tarpaulin and raised platform had significantly (p<0.05) low aflatoxin levels (65.5 μg/kg, 67.1μg/kg respectively) while maize dried on the ground had higher aflatoxin infestation (179 μg/kg). Again, sorting maize by color significantly (p<0.05) reduces aflatoxin contamination. These results indicate that proper postharvest management of maize, such as harvesting maize on bags, drying maize on tarpaulin, raised platform and sorting maize by color gives the lowest aflatoxin contamination levels. Hence, proper education to farmers on harvesting maize using container/bags and drying maize on raised platform to be established in farmer level.

Aflatoxins are toxins produced by certain strains of Aspergillus flavus that are found in several crops. This toxin is produced by Aspergillus flavus in food and feeds results in adverse health effects for humans and animals, as well as economic barriers to farmers and countries. This study aimed to assess the awareness of farmers in harvesting and postharvest handling practices for the management of Aflatoxin in maize. The assessment was conducted using questionnaire to capture data on bio-data information, farmer’s awareness on aflatoxin contamination, harvesting time, post-harvesting practices, and storage facilities. Statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25. The result shows that 65.63% of farmers in Kilosa and 67.28% of farmers in Gairo districts were aware of aflatoxin contamination. The study revealed that, during harvesting time, 92% of farmers at Kilosa and 98% of farmers in Gairo district harvest maize when completely dry. In drying practice, the use of canvas had higher usage compared to other practices where 42.70% of farmers in Kilosa and 16.70% of farmers in the Gairo district were using canvas. Additionally, it was observed that the majority of farmers in both districts store their maize by using storage bags/sacks that favor the rise of insect/pest contamination. The study suggests that there is a need for establishing an educational campaign for maize farmers on the effect of aflatoxin contamination to improve their awareness. The knowledge should base on harvesting, drying practices, and modern storage facilities that can reduce aflatoxin contamination.