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Farmer perceptions of fungal spoilage and mycotoxin contamination in East and West Africa

In: World Mycotoxin Journal
Authors:
J. Bidzakin Cranfield University, Cranfield, United Kingdom

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A.R. Graves Cranfield University, Cranfield, United Kingdom

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https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8767-8786
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C. Cervini Magan Centre of Applied Mycology, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, United Kingdom

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https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9420-2727
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M.J. Bernard Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute, Arusha, Tanzania

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A. Chala Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia

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E. Temu International Centre for Research in Agroforestry, Nairobi, Tanzania

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A. Kamara University of Makeni, Makeni, Sierra Leone

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M. Kargbo University of Makeni, Makeni, Sierra Leone

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D. Kombiok Kundok Development Consult, Tamale, Ghana

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B.N. Koudougou Fondazione ACRA, Milan, Italy

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S. Mbapila Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute, Arusha, Tanzania

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S. Mekonen Southern Agricultural Research Institute, Hawassa, Ethiopia

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E. Misganaw Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia

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S. Merafina Osservatorio per la Comunicazione Culturale e Audiovisiva nel Mediterraneo e nel Mondo, Milan, Italy

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N.N. Makete Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, Nairobi, Kenya

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https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3975-6863
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E. Minyatta Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, Nairobi, Kenya

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A.J. Mvena Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute, Arusha, Tanzania

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S. Oufensou Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy

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M. Rizzu Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy

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D.S. Kiriba Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute, Arusha, Tanzania

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N. Shashi The Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania

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Y. Sheref Kundok Development Consult, Tamale, Ghana

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R. Stentella Fondazione ACRA, Milan, Italy

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J. Tholley University of Makeni, Makeni, Sierra Leone

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F. Wayua Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, Nairobi, Kenya

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Q. Migheli Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy

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S. Okoth University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

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https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7803-0301
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Abstract

Mycotoxins, toxic metabolites of fungi, are a major food safety concern in sub-Saharan Africa, where they compromise human and animal health, reduce food security, and limit trade. This study investigated farmer perceptions, awareness, and practices related to fungal spoilage and mycotoxin contamination across six countries in East and West Africa (Burkina Faso, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania). Using a survey of 531 farmers, we found that 46% reported losses due to mould, with prevalence higher in East Africa (53%) than in West Africa (27%). Food losses were typically 0-20% but exceeded 60% in some cases. While most farmers (89%) reported avoiding consumption of visibly mouldy grains, 11% admitted doing so, and 74% were unaware that moulds could be harmful to health. Knowledge gaps were pronounced: 75% had never heard of mycotoxins and 88% did not know the safe grain moisture content for storage. Despite widespread use of storage technologies such as hermetic PICS bags (35%), hessian bags (30%), and polypropylene bags (28%), many farmers perceived these methods as only slightly effective. Chi-square analysis revealed significant regional differences, with East African farmers showing higher awareness of mycotoxins and safe storage practices than those in West Africa, though risky behaviours persisted in both regions. Logistic regression showed that gender, age, and access to technical knowledge were significant predictors of awareness. Specifically, women, older farmers and those with access to technical support demonstrated higher levels of awareness on fungal spoilage and mycotoxin contamination. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted training on safe storage practices, improved dissemination of effective technologies, and integration of post-harvest management into extension services. Strengthening farmer knowledge and capacity is essential to reduce mycotoxin-related food losses, protect health, and enhance food security in African smallholder systems.

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