Written by Naftali Mwaura
Tuesday, 07 June 2011 
The largest economies in East and West Africa, Kenya and Nigeria respectively are beneficiaries to an innovative project that utilizes biological tools to fight aflatoxin in Maize and other strategic staples.

Scientists have developed ecofriendly solution to the aflatoxin menace by introducing biological products tailor made for small holder farmers in the two African nations.
 
Kenya and Nigeria remains aflatoxin hotspots as reported cases of fungi induced disease rise alarmingly.

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has supported this project that will benefit 65,000 farmers in Kenya.

Other agencies involved in the implementation of this project include the Africa Agriculture Technology Foundation (AATF), International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), and the Kenya Agriculture Research Institute (KARI).

Officials hail this new initiative that will transform control and management of aflatoxin at all maize value chains.

The Director of Agriculture in Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture, Wilson Songa, noted that innovative and affordable technologies are critical in eradicating aflatoxin menace.

Kenya ranks as a major hotspot for aflatoxin infestation on maize, legumes and other staples that 80% of the population depends on as a primary source of food.

Click here to view article on Africa Science News Service website

Related article in AgroNews