Aflatoxin management in Sub-Saharan Africa: A call for intergrated aflatoxin management

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Review Paper 03/10/2024
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Aflatoxin management in Sub-Saharan Africa: A call for intergrated aflatoxin management

Marco Martin Mwendo, Ernest Rashid Mbega, Joseph Ndunguru, Mashamba Philipo
Int. J. Biosci.25( 4), 1-24, October 2024.
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Abstract

Aflatoxin presents a major global public health and economic issue, particularly impacting maize producers, consumers, and markets. This toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic substance is produced by Aspergillus fungi and frequently contaminates maize, a key staple crop in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The region’s climate and inadequate food storage practices exacerbate maize contamination, posing significant health risks, including liver cancer, immune system suppression, and stunted growth in children. SSA is responsible for 40% (or 59,900) of the 155,000 annual cases of global aflatoxin-related liver cancer cases, driven by favorable conditions for fungal growth and poor food safety practices. Despite efforts to reduce contamination through agricultural best practices, biocontrol methods, and improved post-harvest management, these interventions have been insufficient. Challenges arise due to the complexity of contamination and inconsistent adoption by smallholder farmers. There is a need to combine different mitigation measures in order to achieve effect control of aflatoxin contamination in maize. This review explores the extent of aflatoxin contamination in maize, assesses the effectiveness of current mitigation methods, and underscores the need for combining different control measures including breeding resistant maize varieties as a long-term solution to improve food safety in SSA.

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