A survey of aflatoxin and aflasafe awareness and management among Nigerian poultry producers and feed millers

Abstract

Aflatoxin is a potent mycotoxin that can cause cancer, stunted growth, and (in extreme instances) rapid death. Aflatoxin can contaminate many staple crops, including maize and groundnuts. As many as 4.5 billion people in the developing world may be chronically exposed. Scientists at the United States Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Resource Service, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), and African Agricultural Technology Foundation have developed a biological control product called Aflasafe. IITA is currently working with the AgResults initiative to promote widespread adoption of Aflasafe in Nigeria and with the Aflasafe Technology Transfer and Commercialization Program to promote Aflasafe adoption in 11 African countries. In the fall of 2016, 272 oral surveys were administered to maize-buying poultry producers and feed millers in Nigeria. The survey was developed to obtain data regarding farmer awareness of aflatoxin and Aflasafe. Levels of aflatoxin and Aflasafe awareness were higher among enterprises registered with state and federal government agencies than among enterprises not registered. Awareness levels were also higher among enterprises with membership in professional poultry associations. The percentage of enterprises within each state that controlled for aflatoxin in their maize supply, typically with the use of toxic binder, ranged from 2% to 92%. Only 4% of enterprises tested for the amount of aflatoxin in their maize supply.