AflaSTOP project identifies the most promising storage options to arrest aflatoxin growth in Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania

The CoP member Rex Raimond, Senior Mediator and Program Director of Meridian Institute, presents the “AflaSTOP: Storage and Drying for Aflatoxin Prevention (AflaSTOP)” project (started in 2012).

Meridian Institute is partnering with ACDI/VOCA and Agribusiness Systems International to support the testing and commercialization of low-cost, innovative storage and drying technology to reduce aflatoxin contamination and other post-harvest losses in Africa.

“The project aims to link scientifically rigorous research with human-centric design and is grounded in marketplace realities. It consists of three core components: a) Storage: scientific testing of storage devices in controlled conditions and field testing with smallholder farmers; b) Drying: research, design, testing, fabrication, and adaptation of potential drying solutions; and, c) Commercialization strategy development: tailored investigation and validation of the commercial viability of each storage and drying product” said Raimond.

“AflaSTOP has conducted the largest aflatoxin trial to date of small-scale agricultural grain storage devices (90kg-1,000kg). AflaSTOP’s research shows that until the underlying problem of maize being contaminated in the field is addressed, hermetic storage can be a major contribution to arresting the increase in contamination experienced during the storage period due to current storage methods” he has added.

The AflaSTOP project is working with Kenyan businesses to promote storage options that arrest the growth of aflatoxin.  AflaSTOP has developed the Portable Shallow-Bed Batch Maize Dryer adapted to the needs of Kenyan smallholder farmers, permitting them to confidently, easily, and cost-effectively dry maize down to safe, long-term storage moisture content regardless of weather conditions. The dryer has moved from the final field testing stage into piloting and other commercialization activities to ensure that businesses operating in Africa are able to provide the device to smallholder farmers. 

In September 2015, a case story submitted by AflaSTOP project manager, Anna Garloch, was selected as a winner of USAID’s Collaborate Learn Adapt (CLA) Case Competition. The submission, Embracing CLA to Drive Technology Adoption in Kenya: AflaSTOP’s Experience, was featured at a CLA conference in November 2015. 

In addition, AflaSTOP supports the objectives of the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA), which is establishing a comprehensive, Africa-wide approach to aflatoxin control. Co-funding for this project is provided by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and USAID. The project is jointly implemented by ACDI/VOCA and Agribusiness Systems International (ASI), under the direction of Meridian Institute.

More at: AflaSTOP newsletter #2 and here

Photo: ©FAO/Tamiru Legesse