Communicating the Findings Sharing the findings Aflacontrol

Conference

Southern Sun Hotel, Nairobi

30th November 2011

Stanley Guantai / Steve Collins

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.

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

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).

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.

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.

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.

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

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).

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.

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

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.

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).

Asante Sana

The Aflacontrol team.

USAID

With the support of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation