Drivers of Post-Harvest Aflatoxin Contamination: Evidence Gathered from Knowledge Disparities and Field Surveys of Maize Farmers in the Rift Valley Region of Kenya

Abstract

Maize-dependent populations in sub-Saharan Africa are continually exposed to aflatoxin poisoning owing to their regular consumption of this dietetic cereal. Being a staple in Kenyan households, consumption of maize-based meals is done almost daily, thereby exposing consumers to aflatoxicoses. This study assessed awareness levels, knowledge disparities, and perceptions regarding aflatoxin contamination at the post-harvest phase among farmers in the Rift Valley Region of Kenya. Households were randomly selected using a geographical positioning system (GPS) overlay of the agro-ecological zones within Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet counties. Face-to-face interviews were conducted in 212 smallholder and large-scale farms. The study documented the demographic profiles of farmers and knowledge, awareness, and perceptions of aflatoxin contamination using a pre-designed structured questionnaire. Most farmers were familiar with aflatoxins and the adverse effects they present to health (61.32%). Almost all the farmers (94.37%) were aware of storage molds and food-spoilage fungi. However, few farmers adopted good post-harvest practices (PHPs), such as avoiding premature harvests (49.8%), using well-ventilated storage spaces (44.6%), grain sorting (30.5%), proper drying of maize (17.8%), and using hermetic bags for storage (30.5%). Conclusively, intensified farmer education is required to train farmers on good PHPs to protect their maize from aflatoxigenic fungi and aflatoxin accumulation.

Postharvest Practices, Perceptions, and Knowledge of Mycotoxins among Groundnut Farmers in the Adamawa, Centre, and North Regions of Cameroon

“…Overall, many suboptimal postharvest practices were identified among the groundnut farmers surveyed across Adamawa, Centre, and North Cameroon. Similar observations highlighting poor postharvest practices have been made in many other studies in other African [ 47 , 48 , 50 – 53 ] and Asian countries [ 54 – 56 ], indicating that it is a global problem. For example, optimal pod drying is one of the postharvest methods most widely used by groundnut farmers.…”

Efficacy Assessment of Inhibitory Fungal Concoctions Against Mycotoxin Fungi Affecting Maize Grain Quality in Western Kenya

“…Maize (Zea mays) is an important staple crop for billions of people globally (Kaushal et al, 2022). In Kenya, it is a preferred crop and it is produced by 80% of farmers for self-consumption, sale, or both (Gachara et al, 2022). The crop is also valued for its nutritional properties and contributes to 68% cereal of daily intakes per head/capita, 35% energy, 32% protein, and 50% daily calorie intake in Kenya (Schroeder, et al, 2013).…”