6 May 2021. Mycotoxin Control and Regulations
This webinar was organized to share and discuss the results from the survey on mycotoxin control and regulations in Africa sent out in mid-March 2021
Mycotoxigenic Fungi Contamination and Aflatoxin Awareness in Plant-based Chic...Francois Stepman
Presentation by Owiro, N.O., Ochuodho, J.O., Rachuonyo, H.A., Gohole, L.S., Tarus, J.K., Ooko, L.A., Okello, E.O., Munyasi, J. W. & Omega, J.A.
The Fifth African Higher Education Week & RUFORUM Biennial Conference Venue: Century City Conference Centre, Cape Town South Africa | Dates: 17th – 22nd October, 2016
6 May 2021. Mycotoxin Control and Regulations
This webinar was organized to share and discuss the results from the survey on mycotoxin control and regulations in Africa sent out in mid-March 2021
Mycotoxigenic Fungi Contamination and Aflatoxin Awareness in Plant-based Chic...Francois Stepman
Presentation by Owiro, N.O., Ochuodho, J.O., Rachuonyo, H.A., Gohole, L.S., Tarus, J.K., Ooko, L.A., Okello, E.O., Munyasi, J. W. & Omega, J.A.
The Fifth African Higher Education Week & RUFORUM Biennial Conference Venue: Century City Conference Centre, Cape Town South Africa | Dates: 17th – 22nd October, 2016
Charles Nkonge (Kenya) Highlights of maize aflatoxin research in Kenya
Roundtable of aflatoxin experts on
“Building a multi-stakeholder approach to mitigate aflatoxin contamination of food and feed”
Brussels, Monday 25th January 2016
Andrew Emmott, Twin&Twin Trading, Senior Associate (Nuts), London, UK.
Roundtable of aflatoxin experts on
“Building a multi-stakeholder approach to mitigate aflatoxin contamination of food and feed”
Brussels, Monday 25th January 2016
Findings of the report on Mycotoxin Control in Low- and Middle-Income Countries Francois Stepman
Prof. David Miller (Carleton University, Canada)
Workshop on “Engaging the Health and Nutrition Sectors in Aflatoxin Control in Africa”
March 23 – 24, 2016
Prevention and control of aflatoxin contamination in value chains: Contrib...Francois Stepman
25th January 2016. Roundtable of aflatoxin experts on “Building a multi-stakeholder approach to mitigate aflatoxin contamination of food and feed”.
Background: Food losses, issue of aflatoxin, challenges, abbreviations followed by GIZ project activities:
Promotion of value chains and reduction of risk of aflatoxin contamination: by the “Green Innovation Centres for the Agriculture and Food Sector”, commissioned by BMZ Special Initiative “ONEWORLD – No Hunger!”.
Further (planned) activities to reduce post-harvest losses and possible aflatoxin contamination: by various projects worldwide
Aflasafe technology in Zambia: Upscaling and dissemination in other countries in Africa: by IITA/CGIAR - CCAFS, GIZ/ITAACC, Bill&Melinda Gates Foundation, USDA, PACA and other partners
Aflatoxin risk assessment as part of the Rapid Food Loss Assessment Tool (RLAT): by Sector Project Sustainable Agriculture (SV NAREN)
FANRPAN Policy Brief: Stemming Aflatoxin in the Groundnut Chain in Sub-Sahara...Francois Stepman
This policy brief has been specifically
prepared to highlight the importance of aflatoxins on human health and trade in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It
contextualizes, (i) the preharvest and post-harvest factors that influence the proliferation of molds and aflatoxin
contamination in groundnuts in the SSA region, (ii) discusses feasible prevention and management strategies and
(iii) presents recommendations .
AflaNET project: Minimization of aflatoxin contamination in the value chainFrancois Stepman
Wolfgang Buechs (Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants - Julius-Kuehn-Institute) AflaNET project: Minimization of aflatoxin contamination in the value chain
Roundtable of aflatoxin experts on
“Building a multi-stakeholder approach to mitigate aflatoxin contamination of food and feed”
Brussels, Monday 25th January 2016
Twenty years research on aflatoxin in Europe: what benefits for Africa? Francois Stepman
Twenty years research on aflatoxin in Europe: what benefits for Africa?
Antonio Logrieco, Istituto Scienze delle Produzioni Alimentari (ISPA), Bari, Italy (coordinator of the Mycokey project under H2020- SFS-13-2015 call on Biological contamination of crops and the food chain: A contribution to a long-term collaboration with China on food safety).
What are aflatoxins?
Fungal metabolites (naturally occurring)
Produced by strains of Aspergillus
flavus and A. parasiticus
Toxic to humans and animals
Highly stable compounds, withstand
normal food/feed processing
procedures
Stemming Aflatoxin pre- and post-harvest waste in the groundnut value chain (...Francois Stepman
Roundtable of aflatoxin experts on
“Building a multi-stakeholder approach to mitigate aflatoxin contamination of food and feed”
Brussels, Monday 25th January 2016
The future of food safety in Africa: Research perspectiveILRI
Keynote presentation by Delia Grace, Silvia Alonso, Kebede Amenu, Elizabeth Cook, Michel Dione, Theo Knight-Jones, Johanna Lindahl, Florence Mutua, Hung Nguyen-Viet, Kristina Roesel and Lian Thomas at the virtual Food Safety Conference for Africa, 10–11 November 2021.
Costs of aflatoxin in the Kenyan dairy value chainILRI
Poster by Daniel Senerwa, Nadhem Mtimet, Johanna Lindahl, Erastus Kang'ethe and Delia Grace presented at the FoodAfrica midterm seminar, Helsinki, Finland, 16 June 2014.
Charles Nkonge (Kenya) Highlights of maize aflatoxin research in Kenya
Roundtable of aflatoxin experts on
“Building a multi-stakeholder approach to mitigate aflatoxin contamination of food and feed”
Brussels, Monday 25th January 2016
Andrew Emmott, Twin&Twin Trading, Senior Associate (Nuts), London, UK.
Roundtable of aflatoxin experts on
“Building a multi-stakeholder approach to mitigate aflatoxin contamination of food and feed”
Brussels, Monday 25th January 2016
Findings of the report on Mycotoxin Control in Low- and Middle-Income Countries Francois Stepman
Prof. David Miller (Carleton University, Canada)
Workshop on “Engaging the Health and Nutrition Sectors in Aflatoxin Control in Africa”
March 23 – 24, 2016
Prevention and control of aflatoxin contamination in value chains: Contrib...Francois Stepman
25th January 2016. Roundtable of aflatoxin experts on “Building a multi-stakeholder approach to mitigate aflatoxin contamination of food and feed”.
Background: Food losses, issue of aflatoxin, challenges, abbreviations followed by GIZ project activities:
Promotion of value chains and reduction of risk of aflatoxin contamination: by the “Green Innovation Centres for the Agriculture and Food Sector”, commissioned by BMZ Special Initiative “ONEWORLD – No Hunger!”.
Further (planned) activities to reduce post-harvest losses and possible aflatoxin contamination: by various projects worldwide
Aflasafe technology in Zambia: Upscaling and dissemination in other countries in Africa: by IITA/CGIAR - CCAFS, GIZ/ITAACC, Bill&Melinda Gates Foundation, USDA, PACA and other partners
Aflatoxin risk assessment as part of the Rapid Food Loss Assessment Tool (RLAT): by Sector Project Sustainable Agriculture (SV NAREN)
FANRPAN Policy Brief: Stemming Aflatoxin in the Groundnut Chain in Sub-Sahara...Francois Stepman
This policy brief has been specifically
prepared to highlight the importance of aflatoxins on human health and trade in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It
contextualizes, (i) the preharvest and post-harvest factors that influence the proliferation of molds and aflatoxin
contamination in groundnuts in the SSA region, (ii) discusses feasible prevention and management strategies and
(iii) presents recommendations .
AflaNET project: Minimization of aflatoxin contamination in the value chainFrancois Stepman
Wolfgang Buechs (Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants - Julius-Kuehn-Institute) AflaNET project: Minimization of aflatoxin contamination in the value chain
Roundtable of aflatoxin experts on
“Building a multi-stakeholder approach to mitigate aflatoxin contamination of food and feed”
Brussels, Monday 25th January 2016
Twenty years research on aflatoxin in Europe: what benefits for Africa? Francois Stepman
Twenty years research on aflatoxin in Europe: what benefits for Africa?
Antonio Logrieco, Istituto Scienze delle Produzioni Alimentari (ISPA), Bari, Italy (coordinator of the Mycokey project under H2020- SFS-13-2015 call on Biological contamination of crops and the food chain: A contribution to a long-term collaboration with China on food safety).
What are aflatoxins?
Fungal metabolites (naturally occurring)
Produced by strains of Aspergillus
flavus and A. parasiticus
Toxic to humans and animals
Highly stable compounds, withstand
normal food/feed processing
procedures
Stemming Aflatoxin pre- and post-harvest waste in the groundnut value chain (...Francois Stepman
Roundtable of aflatoxin experts on
“Building a multi-stakeholder approach to mitigate aflatoxin contamination of food and feed”
Brussels, Monday 25th January 2016
The future of food safety in Africa: Research perspectiveILRI
Keynote presentation by Delia Grace, Silvia Alonso, Kebede Amenu, Elizabeth Cook, Michel Dione, Theo Knight-Jones, Johanna Lindahl, Florence Mutua, Hung Nguyen-Viet, Kristina Roesel and Lian Thomas at the virtual Food Safety Conference for Africa, 10–11 November 2021.
Costs of aflatoxin in the Kenyan dairy value chainILRI
Poster by Daniel Senerwa, Nadhem Mtimet, Johanna Lindahl, Erastus Kang'ethe and Delia Grace presented at the FoodAfrica midterm seminar, Helsinki, Finland, 16 June 2014.
Levels of aflatoxins in the Kenyan dairy value chain: How can we assess the e...ILRI
Poster by DM Senerwa, N Mtimet, J Lindahl, EK Kang'ethe and D Grace presented at the First African Regional Conference of the International Association on Ecology and Health (Africa 2013 Ecohealth), Grand-Bassam, Côte d'Ivoire, 1-5 October 2013.
ICRISAT Research Program West and Central Africa 2016 Highlights- Aflatoxin c...ICRISAT
Awareness of aflatoxin contamination is being raised in northern regions of Ghana to combat the adverse economic, health and nutritional consequences, especially among rural communities.
Postharvest Loss Reduction & Mycotoxins programs in USAID’s Feed the Future I...Francois Stepman
Ahmed Kablan, Ph.D.
International Nutrition & Public Health Adviser
USAID /Bureau For Food Security/Office of Agriculture Research and Policy
USDA/ARS/Office of International Research Program
Tenth bulletin of the quarterly publication of Tropical Legumes III (TL III) ...Tropical Legumes III
This edition highlights the progress made under Objective 3 of the project: To enhance cowpea productivity and production in drought-prone areas of sub-Saharan Africa and Objective
6: Sustainable and impact-oriented legume seed delivery systems for smallholders – Cowpea seed system
during 2 years of the project.
Aflatoxin M1 survey in dairy households in KenyaILRI
Poster by Anima Sirma, Daniel Senerwa, Johanna Lindahl, Kohei Makita, Erastus Kang'ethe and Delia Grace presented at the FoodAfrica midterm seminar, Helsinki, Finland, 16 June 2014.
The Innovative Agriculture for Smallholder Resilience (iNASHR) project (Egypt) was implemented over 3 years during which there was the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to instability in farm prices and uncertainties in water availability.
Despite this, 18 teams of Entrepreneurs for Rural Access (ERAs) serving as digital extension service providers were able to reach more than 60,000 people in rural communities between 2021 and 2023.
Three specially commissioned “farmer-to-farmer” style training videos were produced (see at the bottom of this blog post),
and 60 other relevant Access Agriculture videos were translated into Arabic and shown to farmers.
These active service providers, half of whom are women, used a solar-powered smart projector to reach communities where access to power supply, internet connection and mobile phone signal can be challenging.
West Africa Scene Setting African Continental Master Plan (CMP) for electrici...Francois Stepman
6 February 2024. Drive Renewable Energy Investments in West Africa Hosted by IRENA Coalition for Action
Recording forthcoming
The session covered the African Continental Master Plan (CMP) for electricity generation and transmission, delved into West Africa's electricity sector, and presented recommendations from the Policy Brief titled:
IRENA (2023) Scaling up renewable energy investments in West Africa # 12 p.
https://paepard.blogspot.com/2024/02/drive-renewable-energy-investments-in.html
Scaling up renewable energy investments in West AfricaFrancois Stepman
6 February 2024. Drive Renewable Energy Investments in West Africa Hosted by IRENA Coalition for Action
Recording forthcoming
The session covered the African Continental Master Plan (CMP) for electricity generation and transmission, delved into West Africa's electricity sector, and presented recommendations from the Policy Brief titled:
IRENA (2023) Scaling up renewable energy investments in West Africa # 12 p.
https://paepard.blogspot.com/2024/02/drive-renewable-energy-investments-in.html
Advances of the AU-EU FNSSA Partnership towards Food Systems TransformationFrancois Stepman
23-25 January 2024. Joint SCAR workshop: “Research needs and priorities for the transformation to Sustainable Food Systems (SFS) at European and global level”
https://paepard.blogspot.com/2024/01/research-needs-and-priorities-for.html
Research needs for sustainable food systems – concepts and prioritiesFrancois Stepman
23-25 January 2024. Joint SCAR workshop: “Research needs and priorities for the transformation to Sustainable Food Systems (SFS) at European and global level”
https://paepard.blogspot.com/2024/01/research-needs-and-priorities-for.html
The Scientific Advice Mechanism (SAM) of the EC: its principles and working p...Francois Stepman
6 - 17 March 2021. In 2021, Aarhus University hosted the first European Seminar on science-based advice in agriculture and environment
More than 200 researchers and advisers from all over Europe participated. One of the conclusions was, that there is a need to learn from each other, to share best practices and to discuss the main principles, in order to strengthen the evidence based policy development in Europe. See: https://paepard.blogspot.com/2024/01/science-based-advice-for-policy-in.html
Transformation: An introductory guide to fundamental change for researchers a...Francois Stepman
7 Sep 2023 12:30 - 14:00 CEST. Transformation: An introductory guide to fundamental change for researchers and change makers in a world of crises
Fazey, I and Colvin, J. (2023). Transformation: An introductory guide to fundamental change for researchers and change makers in a world of crises - A Report for the Transforming UK Food Systems SPF Programme. University of York, Emerald Network Ltd. #52 p.
Online workshop based on a newly published report by Professor Ioan Fazey (University of York) and Dr John Colvin (Emerald Network Ltd) for the UKRI Transforming UK Food Systems SPF Programme.
This workshop was be an opportunity to learn, and engage with others, about the concept of transformational change in a context of a rapidly changing world.
The authors gave an overview of the concept of transformation and highlighted some of the critical aspects that need to be considered when embarking on an initiative, approach or campaign which is intended to be transformational. They talked about the challenges and opportunities of adopting these concepts in practice and research and there was an opportunity for participants to explore with others their own understanding and approaches to transformation.
Presentation by Kathelijne Beenen, Netherlands Space Office - Space for Climate Adaptation and Food Security
https://paepard.blogspot.com/2023/05/earth-observation-artificial.html
Machine learning for the environment: monitoring the pulse of our Planet with...Francois Stepman
Presentation by Davis Tuia, EPFL - Machine learning for the environment: monitoring the pulse of our Planet with remotely sensed data
25 May 2023. 9H30 - 16H25 Earth Observation & Artificial Intelligence solutions for climate change challenges
This new edition of the AI4Copernicus event focused on climate change and its impact on energy, food and water security. To withstand current and future pressures on our natural resources, integrated and sustainable management practices are required to balance the needs of people, nature and the economy.
https://paepard.blogspot.com/2023/05/earth-observation-artificial.html
‘How is the African insurance industry responding to climate change?’Francois Stepman
6 June 2023. ‘How is the African insurance industry responding to climate change?’
https://paepard.blogspot.com/2023/06/how-is-african-insurance-industry.html
The insurance industry is exposed to the risks of climate change and that risk is increasing. Insurers should be aware of these risks and the potential impact on their business. A 2019 global survey [With Climate Impacts Growing, Insurance Companies Face Big Challenges] found that 72 percent of insurance companies believe climate change will affect their business, but 80 percent of them have not taken significant steps to lessen climate risks. Moreover, insurance companies invest the money from the premiums they collect in the financial markets. They have $582 billion invested in fossil fuels investments that could be devalued as climate risks increase.
As natural disasters become more frequent and more costly, insurance companies are facing big challenges. If insurers are to weather the storms ahead, they’ll need to make some changes. The insurance industry needs to make substantial changes to deal with its own climate risks. Some of these changes could also enable insurance companies to help speed the transition to a net-zero society.
Speakers
Diana Castro (picture) is part of UNEP. As the Programme
Supervisor of the Principles for Sustainable Insurance (PSI) initiative, Diana oversees the largest collaboration between the United Nations and the insurance industry, which has over 250
members worldwide committed to integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance risks into their decision-making.
Lesley Ndlovu (picture) is currently the Chief Executive Officer of African Risk Capacity “ARC” Ltd, based in Nairobi, Kenya.
Kelvin Massingham is Director of Risk and Resilience at FSD Africa, where he is responsible for driving financial market innovation in Africa to increase resilience and create pathways for green finance to flow towards a net-zero and nature-positive future.
How are African banks coping with Climate ChangeFrancois Stepman
16 May 2023. This webinar discussed how climate-related risks threaten the functioning of banking institutions as well as the stability of the financial system.
Climate change and climate policy affect the balance sheets and business models of banks in different ways. African banks are vulnerable to the increasing frequency and severity of climate change shocks. They are also increasingly aware of the importance of adopting green financing principles, seeking to address risks and more importantly, to grasp new opportunities.
However, only 17% of banks have so far introduced specific green financing products, and these are estimated to account for only 2-20% of their portfolio . The webinar discussed how climate-related risks threaten the functioning of banking institutions as well as the stability of the financial system. The discussions also shed light on initiatives of banks to implement sustainable practices and central banks to create an enabling environment for sustainable finance drawing on international best practices.
http://paepard.blogspot.com/2023/05/climate-and-african-financial-sector.html
Webinar 1: Climate Change: What does it mean for the Financial Sector in Africa?
Financial institutions can play an important role in society’s adaptation to climate change risks mitigation. This webinar will highlight risks and opportunities that climate change poses for the financial sector in Africa and discuss how financial institutions can best respond to these, in a sustainable manner. In particular, the webinar is expected to:
Raise awareness on climate change within the financial industry in Africa and facilitate a broader dialogue aimed at integrating climate change considerations;
Clarify the pivotal role the financial sector can play in mitigating climate change risks and adapting to its effects; and
Present examples of transformative change in financial institutions’ practices
Speakers
Paul SMITH has worked for the climate team at the United Nations’ Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) for over four years. Paul leads UNEP FI’s climate adaptation and physical risk work supporting the Climate Risk Programme, the Climate Adaptation Working Group of the Principles for Responsible Banking and the Adaptation and Resilience Investor Collaborative (ARIC). He also leads on climate policy in partnership with the Investor Agenda and has co-authored The Climate Risk Landscape, Physically Fit? and Adapting to a New Climate, as well as contributing to Climate Risk: Managing the Financial Risk and Funding the Transition
Anthony NYONG is the Director of Climate Change and Green Growth at the AfDB. Mr. Nyong has about 30 years of experience in environmental and natural resources management, renewable energy and green growth. He was a Coordinating Lead Author for the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report and a member of the IPCC Task Group on Data and Scenario Support for Impact and Climate Analysis.
David ASHIAGBOR is the Chief Financial Sector Strategy Officer in the Financial Sector Development Department of the African Development Bank. He is currently leading the design and development of the Bank’s new Financial Sector Development Strategy, in addition to supporting the Director on policy and strategy issues.
Marina FINKEN is the Partnership Coordinator for Making Finance Work For Africa (MFW4A). She is an experienced Finance Professional who, before joining MFW4A had a successful career within Big 4 firms, providing audit and advisory services to large Banking groups and other financial services entities.
Transforming Research into Programs and Policies: How to Use the Research-to-...Francois Stepman
March 9 Transforming Research into Programs and Policies: How to Use the Research-to-Action Plan Section
Guest Speaker: Dr. Marlene Lee, PRB, United States
The webinar introduces you to how you can use the Research-To-Action (R2A) Plan Section to develop a step-by-step plan to communicate your research findings, attract influential stakeholders, and ensure your research leads to action.
Capturing Attention How To Use The Research Translation Toolkit’s Communicati...Francois Stepman
March 9 Transforming Research into Programs and Policies: How to Use the Research-to-Action Plan Section
Guest Speaker: Dr. Marlene Lee, PRB, United States
Speaker bios
This webinar introduces you to how you can use the Research-To-Action (R2A) Plan Section to develop a step-by-step plan to communicate your research findings, attract influential stakeholders, and ensure your research leads to action.
Generative Artificial Intelligence 3/14/2023 Johannes Schunter Head of Knowle...Francois Stepman
14 March 2023. Useful applications of ChatGPT in knowledge work
Johannes Schunter showed a number of useful applications in development work ; what the bot is good at and what it is not good at. He is Head of Knowledge Management · Evangelisches Werk für Diakonie und Entwicklung e.V., Berlin, Germany.
How to Use the Research Translation Toolkit’s Stakeholder Analysis SectionFrancois Stepman
23 February 2023 Reaching the Right People at the Right Time: How to Use the Stakeholder Analysis Section
Guest Speaker: Dr. Jose Rodriguez, International Consultant, Philippines
This webinar introduced the Stakeholder Analysis Section to identify influential individuals or groups who might use your research, and plan effective engagement with them to increase the impact of your research insights or technical innovations.
February 9 A Vital Resource: Exploring USAID’s Research Translation Toolkit
This webinar introduced the importance of research translation – the process that transforms research findings into a form that is relevant to practitioners or other audiences – and provides a high-level overview of the Research Translation Toolkit, including real world examples of research teams that have used the processes from the toolkit.
Overview of the AU-EU Innovation Agenda & Results of the Public ConsultationFrancois Stepman
23 - 24 November 2022. Nairobi, Kenya and online. AU-EU Innovation Agenda Stakeholder Event
Nairobi by the The European Commission and the African Union Commission.
0x01 - Newton's Third Law: Static vs. Dynamic AbusersOWASP Beja
f you offer a service on the web, odds are that someone will abuse it. Be it an API, a SaaS, a PaaS, or even a static website, someone somewhere will try to figure out a way to use it to their own needs. In this talk we'll compare measures that are effective against static attackers and how to battle a dynamic attacker who adapts to your counter-measures.
About the Speaker
===============
Diogo Sousa, Engineering Manager @ Canonical
An opinionated individual with an interest in cryptography and its intersection with secure software development.
Have you ever wondered how search works while visiting an e-commerce site, internal website, or searching through other types of online resources? Look no further than this informative session on the ways that taxonomies help end-users navigate the internet! Hear from taxonomists and other information professionals who have first-hand experience creating and working with taxonomies that aid in navigation, search, and discovery across a range of disciplines.
Sharpen existing tools or get a new toolbox? Contemporary cluster initiatives...Orkestra
UIIN Conference, Madrid, 27-29 May 2024
James Wilson, Orkestra and Deusto Business School
Emily Wise, Lund University
Madeline Smith, The Glasgow School of Art
This presentation, created by Syed Faiz ul Hassan, explores the profound influence of media on public perception and behavior. It delves into the evolution of media from oral traditions to modern digital and social media platforms. Key topics include the role of media in information propagation, socialization, crisis awareness, globalization, and education. The presentation also examines media influence through agenda setting, propaganda, and manipulative techniques used by advertisers and marketers. Furthermore, it highlights the impact of surveillance enabled by media technologies on personal behavior and preferences. Through this comprehensive overview, the presentation aims to shed light on how media shapes collective consciousness and public opinion.
Acorn Recovery: Restore IT infra within minutesIP ServerOne
Introducing Acorn Recovery as a Service, a simple, fast, and secure managed disaster recovery (DRaaS) by IP ServerOne. A DR solution that helps restore your IT infra within minutes.
This presentation by Morris Kleiner (University of Minnesota), was made during the discussion “Competition and Regulation in Professions and Occupations” held at the Working Party No. 2 on Competition and Regulation on 10 June 2024. More papers and presentations on the topic can be found out at oe.cd/crps.
This presentation was uploaded with the author’s consent.
Competition and Regulation in Professional Services – KLEINER – June 2024 OEC...
Overview of Aflatoxin Research Activities in KENYA
1. Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)
Overview of Aflatoxin Research Activities
in KENYA
Charles Nkonge
Presentation to the Excursion Meeting on “Networking on aflatoxin Reduction
in food value Chain” held at KALRO HQ on 15/8/16
2. Actors involved
Research and Regulatory
Institutions (KALRO,
KEMRI, KEBS, KEPHIS,
CPB)
Universities (UoN,
JKUAT, KU,
MMUST)
Ministries (MoAL&F,
MoH)
Development Partners
(US (USAID, USDA)
Germany (GIZ, BMZ),
Australia (DFAT),
Finland), World Bank,
FAO
International
NGOs
(ACDI/VOCA,
AATF)
CGIAR Centers
(ILRI, IFPRI, IITA)
KALRO
Aflatoxin research
3. Introduction
Most important molds in cereal crops, especially with respect to
maize spoilage and contamination with mycotoxins in Kenya belong
to three genera, Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium.
Most research work has been done on mycotoxins produced by
Aspergillus and least on those produced by Penicillium
Several toxins are produced by Aspergillus species but aflatoxins
have attracted the highest attention.
The species in the Aspergillus genus that are commonly implicated in
maize aflatoxin contamination are A. flavus A. parasiticus, A. niger,
A. fumigitus.
4. Aflatoxin Contamination Predisposing factors
Environmental conditions especially high humidity and temperatures
favour fungal proliferation resulting in contamination of food and
feed. (Wagacha and Muthomi 2008)
Pre-harvest practices; time of harvesting; handling of produce during
harvesting; moisture levels at harvesting, transportation, marketing
and processing; insect damage all contribute to mycotoxin
contamination.
Sub optimal Agronomic practices, inadequate rain during growing
season, too much rain at harvest, poor storage conditions
Effect of stress caused by MLND on Aflatoxin?
6. 1.Surveys, Mapping out Aflatoxin hot spots
1.1 Aflacontrol – ACDI/VOCA and KALRO
Prevalence of aflatoxins along the maize value chain in three areas in Kenya determined. Contamination
prevalent in both Western and Eastern Kenya but more in Eastern Kenya.
Contamination found to occur both pre- and post-harvest
Partners (IFPRI, CIMMYT, KARI, ICRISAT, University of Pittsburgh, United States Uniform Health Services)
1.2 UoN - CAVS (Muthomi et al )
Aflatoxin contamination of maize found to be more in Eastern Kenya as compared to North Rift. This was
attributed to climatic conditions of the two regions.
Aflastop- Storage technologies to reduce contamination
7. 2. Models to predict outbreaks (ILRI and others)
2.1 Good correlation between aflatoxin contamination and increased rainfall
at flowering and also increased contamination and decreased rainfall
through out the season was reported on Kenya maize by a team of
researchers from Cornell University.
2.2 A method for mapping of aflatoxin risk areas in the milk value chain in
Kenya using GIS approach was developed (ILRI, Sweedish University, UoN and
partners from Japan) .
2.3 A method using remotely sensed data was developed to predict aflatoxin
contamination in Eastern Kenya but the method could be developed further
to be applied elsewhere by a team from Cornell University
A
8. 3. Aflatoxins in maize value chains
Aflatoxins in Kenya which were first noted as early a 1960 and has since
persisted year after year (Steve Collins).
In 1961, about 16,000 turkeys died due to consumption of aflatoxin
contaminated groundnut feeds.
A country wide survey carried out in 2005 had found 21.7% of grains
sampled had Aflatoxins levels above 20 ppb.
9. 4. Feeds, Livestock/ dairy value chains
4.1 UoN and ILRI jointly or separately with others have done a lot of
studies on the prevalence of aflatoxins in feeds and milk value chains.
Contamination rate found to be high
4.2 In a survey of milk marketed through 4 types of small businesses in
peri-Nairobi gave results of 55% of samples that exceeded the
European Union maximum level of 0.05ppb. (ILRI)
10. 5. Biological reduction of aflatoxin
contamination of maize
5.1 Researchers in KALRO in collaboration with others (IITA, USDA-ARS, AATF,
ACDI-VOCA & NIB) are able to reduce the level of aflatoxin contamination by
between 70 and 99% through use of biological control
Maize fields are inoculated with Aflasafe KE01 a collection of about 3-4
atoxigenic bacterial 2-4 weeks before tasselling which out-compete the
native strains.
There is a carry of this effect to neighboring fields and following seasons.
A mycotoxin laboratory to serve East African countries is in operation and
currently serving 3 countries of Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda.
A modular plant to manufacture Aflasafe will has already been constructed
and will be equipped by next year.
11. 6. Aflatoxin Detoxification
6.1 Nixtamilzation
Led by KALRO with other collaborators (CIMMYT, MoAL&F, UoN and
Mexican Embassy).
The project will lead to reduction in aflatoxin levels in maize kernels
and improve the nutrition quality of maize by increasing the
bioavailability of niacin, calcium, iron and zinc.
12. 5. Aflatoxin Detoxification continued-----
5.2 Effect of dehulling maize
Researchers from UoN and KIRDI by using a traditional method of
dehulling maize were able to remove about 50% aflatoxin
5. 3 Effect of Lactic acid fermentation
Using monoculltures of Lactic Acid producing bacteria researchers from
Sokoine and Michigan universities were able to remove about 50%
aflatoxin B1 from fermented porridge. Wild fermentation with back-
slopping removed slightly more.
13. 6.
6.Control of aflatoxin accumulation at Molecular
level
6.1 Applying a strategy called host-induced gene silencing researchers
fron KU & JKUAT were able to transform maize targeting the aflatoxin
biosynthesis transcription factor aflR. The transgenic maize produced
14 fold less aflatoxin.
However the process led to undesirable effect of stunted maize and
reduced kernel placement which have to be overcome.
14. Way Forward
Quite a bit of work has been done in several research areas on aflatoxin
The following is what I think some of the gaps that need to be plugged
1. There is need to strengthen linkages between the different actors in the
aflatoxin research. This will lead to less duplication of efforts and increase
efficiency in use of available resources
2. Capacity building of 2 Kenyan scientists is planned in the AFLANET project. If it
is possible this should be accompanied by facilitation to build capacity of more
researchers by the 2 people trained in Germany.
3. Affordable rapid field test kits for aflatoxin testing of farmers maize is a priority
4. There is urgent need to develop alternative non-food commercial use of
contaminated grain to cut down on losses incurred.
15. SYNONYMNS Used
• AATF - African Agricultural Technology Foundation
• ACDI/VOCA - Agricultural Cooperative Development International/
Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance
• CAVS – College of Agriculture and Veterinary Services
• CGIAR - Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research
• CIMMYT – International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre
• CPB – Kenya Cereals and Produce Board
• IFPRI - International Food Policy Research Institute
• IITA – International Institute of Tropical agriculture
• ILRI – International Livestock Research Institute
• JKUAT – Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
16. SYNONYMNS Used continued---
• KALRO – Kenya Agricultural and Livestock research Organization
• KEBS – Kenya Bureau of Standards
• KEMRI – Kenya Medical Research Institute
• KEPHIS – Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service
• MMUST- Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
• MoAL&F – Ministry of Agriculture Livestock and Fisheries
• MoH – Ministry of Health
• NGOs – Non-Governmental Organizations
• NIB – National Irrigation Board
• UoN – University of Nairobi
• USDA – ARS – United Stated Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service