Groundnuts, sorghum and pearl millet are hardy nutritious crops grown for cash and food in Zambia but are susceptible to aflatoxin-producing fungi. Aflatoxin contamination is known to pose significant health risks to humans and animals and reduce crop/food marketability too.
Agroecological practices that improve soil moisture and organic matter have been shown to lower aflatoxin levels. Yet, the resultant reductions remain above thresholds deemed unsafe for consumption.
Through the "AGMIS" project, FiBL together with the University of Zambia and MASAP Project partners, will conduct household surveys among smallholder farmers in Chipata, Sesheke/Sioma districts to determine awareness and knowledge levels, extent of knowledge application, economic implications and training needs on aflatoxins. We will conduct on-station and on-farm trials to evaluate the efficacy of selected land preparation practices, mulching, and selected soil organic matter sources and other soil amendments to reduce aflatoxigenic fungi and pre-harvest aflatoxin contamination on the crops. The findings will be disseminated through workshops, publications, social media and other pathways.
Project Manager
Key roles of FiBL:
