To enhance food safety and quality in Kenya’s informal sector, Egerton Universiteit, in collaboration with the County Governments of Elgeyo Marakwet, Meru, Baringo, Nakuru and Siaya, conducted extensive farmer training sessions between August and November 2024, within the framework of the FS4Africa EU-funded project. These sessions focused on improving groundnut production practices and addressing the critical issue of aflatoxin contamination.

Groundnuts, a vital commercial crop in Kenya, are susceptible to aflatoxin contamination caused by the fungi Aspergillus flavus en Aspergillus parasiticus. Aflatoxins are toxic compounds that pose severe health risks, including liver cancer, impaired growth in children, and immune suppression. Contamination also results in significant economic losses due to reduced marketability and export restrictions.

Agronomic practices, Aflasafe, and post-harvest management training

The training aimed to equip small-scale farmers with knowledge and practical skills to minimise aflatoxin contamination. It included sessions on good agronomic practices, the application of Aflasafe (a non-toxic biocontrol product), and post-harvest management techniques. Farmers from Elgeyo Marakwet, Meru, Baringo, Nakuru, and Siaya counties participated, bringing together over 150 stakeholders, including extension officers, processors, and university staff.

Good agronomic practices were emphasised, focusing on soil and seed management with the use of high-yielding, aflatoxin-tolerant varieties like Ndovu and Mwangaza, while weed and disease control strategies, such as hoe weeding and the use of herbicides, were also discussed to manage viral rosette and leaf spot diseases.

During the meeting, farmers learned about the correct application timing and dosage of Aflasafe to effectively prevent fungal contamination. Post-harvest handling techniques were highlighted to reduce the risk of aflatoxin contamination during and after harvest, and proper drying and storage methods were discussed to ensure the groundnuts remain uncontaminated.

Recommendations to manage challenges

Farmers pinpointed several challenges contributing to aflatoxin contamination. These included the use of susceptible groundnut varieties, drought stress exacerbating fungal growth, poor harvest and post-harvest handling practices, and unethical practices by traders, such as adding water to increase grain weight.

To address these challenges, several innovative solutions and recommendations were proposed. The adoption of high-yielding, aflatoxin-tolerant varieties was recommended to reduce contamination risks. Implementing practices like early planting and irrigation was suggested to mitigate the effects of drought on groundnut crops. Timely harvesting and proper drying using polythene sheets were encouraged to prevent fungal contamination.

Regular use of Aflasafe was advocated to protect crops from aflatoxin-producing fungi through competitive colonisation. Crop rotation with non-susceptible crops like sorghum and pigeon peas was also recommended to break the infection cycle. Proper post-harvest handling, including timely harvesting, good drying, and proper storage, was emphasised to reduce the risk of contamination.

Aflatoxin contamination has far-reaching implications. Health-wise, it leads to severe conditions such as liver cancer and growth impairment in children. Economically, it restricts groundnut exports from sub-Saharan Africa, with stringent regulations by the European Union causing significant market losses. Historical data from Kenya and West Africa underscore the devastating impact of aflatoxin outbreaks. For instance, the 2004 aflatoxicosis outbreak in Eastern Kenya resulted in 317 cases and 125 fatalities. Such events highlight the critical need for effective aflatoxin management strategies.

Sharing experiences and knowledge

The feedback session was highly interactive, with farmers engaging in discussions and sharing their experiences, as they received practical, research-backed solutions tailored to their challenges. Training demonstrated the importance of providing targeted, research-driven support to small-scale farmers. The adoption of the recommended practices is expected to significantly reduce groundnut losses, improve yields and quality, and boost farmers’ incomes, while the project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of these integrated control methods.

To amplify the impact, the project will employ various information dissemination methods, including brochures and flyers distributed in English and Kiswahili, workshops and seminars, media broadcasts, and targeted programs to educate farmers and stakeholders.

Addressing aflatoxin contamination in Kenya’s groundnut sector requires a multi-faceted approach. Through targeted training, the introduction of resilient crop varieties, and improved agronomic practices, small-scale farmers can achieve safer, higher-quality groundnut production. This initiative not only enhances food safety but also strengthens the economic resilience of farmers in Kenya’s key groundnut-growing regions.

 

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