Good news for farmers in bid to fight aflatoxin menace

A new facility to deal with the aflatoxin menace was commissioned in Machakos. PHOTO | FILE | NATION

Farmers were relieved after a manufacturing facility to deal with the aflatoxin menace was commissioned last week in Machakos.

The Katumani Aflasafe, built by the US, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation and Agriculture ministry will provide a sustainable solution to a deadly problem.

Aflasafe works from the plot to your plate to stop contamination from reaching dangerous levels and keep foods like maize and groundnuts safe to eat.

The facility is the first of its kind in East Africa. High levels of aflatoxin exposure can lead to human and animal deaths, cancer, immune system suppression and stunting in children. “Aflasafe, when coupled with good practices in post-harvest handling saves lives,” said Patrick Wilson, USAid Kenya and East Africa Deputy Mission Director.

High levels of exposure can lead to human and animal deaths, cancer, immune system suppression, and stunting in children.

Aflatoxin contamination also decreases poultry and livestock productivity and increases food processing costs, and limits a country’s export potential.

“Aflatoxin is destructive and poses a serious threat to Kenya’s Big Four agenda. The US government and Kenya’s shared vision is of a Kenya that enjoys higher living standards, greater economic growth, and closer ties to the US in the pursuit of shared prosperity. That is why we are taking health risks like Aflatoxin exposure seriously,” he said.