Factors influencing the adoption of aflatoxin management practices in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Abstract

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a major oilseed crop of India. Groundnut has great potential for diversification, from oil extraction to food uses, due to its high nutritive value. Aflatoxin contamination is the major impediment to such diversification. Aflatoxins, produced by the fungi Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, are the major toxins affecting the quality of groundnut meant for human consumption. The adoption of 'Aflatoxin Management Practices of Groundnut' (AMPG) is very important for reducing aflatoxin contamination. This study was undertaken with the aims of determining the extent of adoption of AMPG by farmers, to assess the constraints upon adoption of AMPG and to understand the relationship between adoption of AMPG by farmers and socio-economic and psychological factors. The results indicated that the majority of the farmers were unaware of aflatoxin contamination and hence had not adopted sowing, post-sowing and post-harvest aflatoxin management practices. The farmers with large land holdings were high adopters of AMPG compared to farmers with small land holdings. Socio-economic and psychological characteristics such as innovativeness, perception of groundnut quality, extension participation, socioeconomic status, market orientation and farm size significantly influenced the adoption of AMPG. Mass awareness campaigns need to be organized to improve the stakeholders' perception of groundnut quality and the ill-effects of consuming aflatoxin-contaminated products.

Susceptibility of locally cultivated groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) varieties to aflatoxin accumulation in Homa Bay County, Kenya

“…Even for farmers who practiced crop rotation in their activities, groundnut production alternates with the maize crops. This is in agreement with a study conducted by Kumar and Popat (2010). Farmers with extensive farming lands are inclined to adopt efficient aflatoxin management strategies compared to those with small farming areas.…”

“…As Kumar and Popat (2010) stipulates, lack of awareness contributes to high aflatoxin quantities, as detected in some farms in Kobama, Ndhiwa and Nyarongi regions.…”

On-Farm Demonstrations with a Set of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) Proved Cost-Effective in Reducing Pre-Harvest Aflatoxin Contamination in Groundnut

“…Awareness campaigns are therefore critical to enlighten farmers on the economic and health issues associated with aflatoxin contamination in groundnut and its management using soil amendments, such as FYM and gypsum. Establishing partnerships between research institutions, agriculture departments, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), farmers' groups, consumer groups, agrochemical manufacturers, and other stakeholders are essential to address this problem and its management [39][40][41]. Our survey results showed certain gaps that need immediate attention.…”

Occurrence of aflatoxin M1 in raw milk traded in peri-urban Nairobi, and the effect of boiling and fermentation

“…More educated individuals have been seen to be more aware of food safety risks brought about by chemical hazards such as pesticide residues [33]. Poor knowledge of aflatoxins affects the adoption of technologies for the management of aflatoxins [34]. Higher knowledge of aflatoxins among women as compared to men is possibly because of their key role in food production and household food security [35].…”