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Stemming Aflatoxin pre- and post-harvest waste in the groundnut value chain (GnVC) in Malawi and Zambia

The document discusses the issue of aflatoxin contamination in the groundnut value chain in Malawi and Zambia, highlighting its economic and health impacts, especially among smallholder farmers. A consortium of organizations is working on interventions to assess and develop pre- and post-harvest technologies, advocate for better policies, and improve farmer education. Ongoing trials involving over 250 farmers aim to validate promising practices and explore effective communication strategies to combat the aflatoxin menace exacerbated by climate change.

Presentations & Public Speaking◦
Stemming Aflatoxin pre- and post- harvest waste in the groundnut value chain (GnVC) in Malawi and Zambia Limbikani Matumba LUANAR-NRC on behalf of the consortium members
The problem • Groundnut is an important crop economically and nutritionally in the Tropics and Subtropics (including Malawi and Zambia) • However, groundnut is one of the most susceptible hosts for certain pathogenic fungi resulting in aflatoxin contamination.Photograph: Georges Gobet/AFP/Getty Images
Contributing factors •Predominantly produced by small scale farmers •Farmers have little knowledge of control and management of aflatoxins •The aflatoxin problem is complicated by frequent and more intense droughts •Technologies not accessible to farmers Technologies not accessible to farmers
Consequence- Trade  Result in economic losses through rejection of the contaminated groundnuts by developed countries markets • EU notification about groundnuts contaminated with Aflatoxin originated from Malawi in 2005
Health impact A billboard placed by Malawi government: The fight against malnutrition • In Malawi and Zambia stunting is estimated around 50% • Aflatoxins contributing factor??
Aflatoxin menace is projected to worsen due to climate change Change in temperature due to climate change according to the IPCC (2007) report.
Concerted effort • To address the problem, a consortium comprising of: FANRPAN (RSA), NASFAM(Malawi), DARS(Malawi), ZARI(Zambia), EPFC (Zambia) and Univ. of Greenwich-NRI (UK) collaboratively sought financial support from EU through CRF PAEPARD project •
THE INTERVENTION 1) To assess, validate and further develop promising pre and post harvest technologies 2) Document and disseminate successfully tested practices 3) To advocate for conducive national and regional policies and regulatory frameworks for stemming Aflatoxin
The research foci (Farmer-led) • Evaluation of effect of residue incorporation on pre- harvest aflatoxin contamination • Optimization of groundnut plant densities as a means of pre-harvest aflatoxin control. • Determination of the most effective and feasible way of drying groundnuts • Evaluation of kennel sizing and hand sorting on partitioning aflatoxin into various shelled groundnut grade sizes • Exploration of effective ways of accelerating adoption of proven aflatoxin reduction techniques
Residual Effect? • In sub-Saharan Africa groundnuts are predominately cultivated on ridges prepared by hand-hoe. • Farmers claim that pre-harvest mold development is exacerbated by crop residue incorporation. So they avoid it in groundnuts field. • From published data: Residue incorporation improves soil nutrition, water holding capacity, supports Trichoderma and some bacteria....... that reduce pre- harvest aflatoxin contamination • What is right????
Molds from freshly dug groundnuts
Optimization of plant densities: Managing aflatoxins Distantly spaced plants may increase aphid population and increase evaporation consequently increasing the risk of aflatoxin occurrence. On the other hand , highly dense planting leads to competition for nutrient and moisture and result in plants with less vigor that cannot resist fungal infestation. What is the optimal plant density in rain fed groundnuts for reduced aflatoxin contamination?? .
The Mandela cork •Existing data indicate that rapid drying of groundnuts to safe moisture levels reduces chances for mold proliferation and aflatoxin contamination . •The technology Mandela Cork is a slow drying technique currently being advocated by NGOs to avoid loss of weight, for protection from sun/rain and animals. •Is Mandela technique appropriate for Malawi and Zambia?
Exploring effective communication tools/strategies How best do we communicate?
Way-forward • The consortium working fine • Preliminary validation data from 2014/15 season available • Conclusion to be drawn at the end of 2015/16 season • Currently farmer led trials involving > 250 farmers in Malawi and Zambia running • The consortium looking for funding to expand/scale-out the interventions