1. Communicating the Findings
Sharing the findings Aflacontrol
Conference
Southern Sun Hotel, Nairobi
30th November 2011
Stanley Guantai / Steve Collins
2. Why the concern
Center for Disease Control has estimated that more than 4.5
billion people in developing countries are chronically exposed to
Aflatoxins in their diets.
Over 82,000 cases of cancer diagnosed annually mainly due to
dietary lifestyles (according to Dr. Mwangi, KNH)
The annual recurrence of aflatoxicosis and the loss of life and
incomes.
Maize is the staple food of preference in Kenya with an
estimated consumption of 88 kg. per capita per year.
75 percent of the maize is produced by small scale farmers and
most of that is consumed at the household or traded informally
within the rural areas.
Over 60 percent of the maize is processed using posho mills in
the rural and peri-urban centres.
Maize standards and grades not applied despite their existence.
3. The problem
The problem starts at the farm but
extended and magnified during
handling, conditioning,
transporting, storage and
packaging.
producers, traders, transporters,
processors, retailers and
consumers involved.
Consumer awareness is low.
- Consumers often buy that with a
lower price tag
Business ethics not always
practiced.
Health aspects are chronic but not
always seen as part of Aflatoxins.
Myths and misinformation abound
4. Understanding the problem
Epidemiological studies and interrelation of findings
with mycotoxins.
Bring out short term and long term results as relates
to acute and chronic effects.
By products of livestock fed on mycotoxins
contaminated feeds have health effects on the
humans.
Diversification of food crops and dietary sources.
Need for soil mapping and survey (spores found in
the soil).
5. How then to reach out
Work with extension workers, public heath
officials, provincial administration, to reach
out to producers, traders and consumers.
Start awareness campaigns early before
the crop harvest.
Involve women and school children for
lasting assimilation.
Follow up with traders and processors
Advise on HCCP at all stages (Simple
practical remedial approaches). Over 2,500
households have been trained in PHH and
grain bulking.
6. Reaching out to the
government
Create close linkage with the Ministry of
Agriculture, Public health, Research and
institutes of higher learning.
If you go it alone there is dissent.
Importance of joint response from public
health and ministry of agriculture
What role ministry of trade?
Research not always problem focused but
more academic oriented.
7. Ensuring support
Shared ownership of the problem
and the solutions
Meet and consult regularly and at all
levels. (carried out 4 briefs).
Simple solutions that officials can
use to convey message of hope.
Research to provide viable bio-
control methods
Need low cost diagnostic equipment.
8. Reaching out to producers
Reach out through opinion leaders,
provincial administration and
extension workers.(26 MoA ToT
trained in Kitui County)
(Two ToT in Nakuru and Eldoret (56)
and PHH trainings in Bungoma,
Bomet, Kisii, Laikipia, Nakuru, Trans
Mara, Trans Nzoia and Uasin Gishu
carried out under KMDP)
Demystify the problem.
Public barazas, and social
gatherings. (3 field days, by MoA in
Kaiti)
Use multiple information channels –
Mass media, Skits, posters and
pamphlets
9. Traders and processors
Often we demonize the trader yet they bulk,
condition, bag and distribute the commodity.
Contamination occur through poor conditioning,
handling, storage and packaging.
producer, trader, transporter, processor,
retailer and consumer involved.
Need for trained warehousing managers and
appropriate storage and conditioning
equipment.
(56 Warehouse managers and traders trained
in collaboration with Smart logistics and MLI)
Revisit the use of biodegradable packaging
(import duty on jute bags and tarpaulins).
Emphasize business ethics as a way of life
(Ministry of Trade).
10. Consumers
Consumer awareness is low and
usually guided by affordability.
Consumers do not have an
organized forum for advocacy
and information.
Educate consumers through
mass media and other
communication avenues.
Encourage new trends towards
traditional foods consumers
Seek cooperation of retailers to
adopt Aflatoxins free
commodities.
11. Development partners
Development partners often
working tangentially, need to
collaborate.
Piece meal approach to
problem
No simple solutions availed.
Team work and partnerships a
must. (New initiatives, IITA;
ILRI & IFPRI)
Food quality and nutrition must
be adopted as a component
under the food security and
Feed the Future strategies.
Website:http://programs.ifpri.org/afla
/afla,asp
12. Issues on Aflatoxins
To day work is on Agronomic
aspects:-
Bio-control
Diagnostics and
Post harvest handling
Need work on Health aspects.
Serological, biomarkers
Overall increased awareness
maybe driven by health and not
only Agronomic aspects.
13. Way Forward
Host government ownership /
involvement is critical
Problem is regional (CAADP) and global
so multilateral engagement is needed.
High interest from donors (particularly
if near term solutions are available).
14. Asante Sana
The Aflacontrol team.
USAID
With the support of Bill and Melinda
Gates Foundation