1. Aflatoxin challenges in Eastern and Southern Africa
INTRODUCTION

2. Aflatoxins Naturally occuring mycotxins
Produced by Aspergillus Flavus and AspergillusParasiticus,species of fungi
Toxic to humans and animals
Cause impaired immune sytems
Cause death

3. Why deal with Aflatoxin
Aflatoxins are present in all stages of production,processing and storage
As a natural toxin,occurs primarily in cereal crops(ie maize,wheat) being the main food items for human population as well as important raw materials of animal feeds

4. Aflatoxin challenges and effects in Swaziland
Food security: contaminated food(maize) is consumed by poorer households and their families. FAO – estimates that 25% of world food supply is contaminated
Persistant drought increased crop susceptibilty to Aflatoxin accumulation
Health effects: high-level exposure may cause instant death (without knowing cause).chronic exposure may result in,suppresionof immune system,liver cancer,and nervous disorders to both human and animals. Commiting high expenditure by government.
Trade barrier-regulations have hit hard to smallholder who exchanged goods alongside borders
Stringest levels imposedby exporting countries-rejection of contaminated food

5. Awareness campaign
General extension workers to educate farmers and general public of dangers associated with aflatoxin poisoning
On site training
Through media ,national radio ,print media and TV
messages incorporated on agricultural extension messages
Schools

6. Practices and strategies to mitigate Aflatoxin contamination
Preharvest:promotion of early harvesting,soil test,correct application of fertlizers
Use of,or selection of appropiate seeds
Involvement of seed companies when educating farmers
Good control practices ,pest and diseases management

7. Harvest At full maturity Use safe methods to avoid breaking kernels
Rapidly dry to safe moisture
Use clean equipment and material

8. Drying Use improved and recommended cribs Dry to safe moisture
Protect from insects infestation

9. Storage
Use recommended storage tanks(ie grain tanks,small brick silo ,or stone silo all of low costs)
Shelter storage facilities ,for temperature and moisture levels control
Eliminate insect activity by use of recommended insecticides

10. Standards and regulations
Aflatoxin standard is being developed by Swaziland standards authority
No regulations

11. Thank you God bless

12. Way forward
Aflatoxin contamination is a food safety and food security issue
Prevention is the best option by applying and implementing good agricultural practises(GAP)
Prevention should involve other stakeholders e.g traders,retailers wholesalers ,small millers big millers
Coordination between private sector,regulatoryagencies(agriculture ,health&trade)and support services,general extension
Need to set up monitoring surveillance programmes gathering data to target prevention measures
Regulations concerning aflatoxin should be developed