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African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development
Rural Outreach Program
ISSN: 1684-5358 EISSN: 1684-5358
Vol. 20, No. 5, 2020, pp. 16420-16446
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Bioline Code: nd20082
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, Vol. 20, No. 5, 2020, pp. 16420-16446
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ASSESSMENT OF AFLATOXIN AND FUMONISIN CONTAMINATION LEVELS IN MAIZE AND MYCOTOXINS AWARENESS AND RISK FACTORS IN RWANDA
Niyibituronsa, M; Mukantwali, C; Nzamwita, M; Hagenimana, G; Niyoyita, S; Niyonshima, A; Hakizimana, C; Ndilu, L; Nyirahanganyamunsi, G; Nkurunziza, E; Sendegeya, P; Niyonteze, G; Muhutu, JC; Shingiro, JB; Umuhire, J; Nyirahorana, C; Ingabire, AC; Nyiranshuti, A; Sibomana, E; Usabyembabazi, M; Munganyinka, E; Gasana, AP; Kamaraba, I; Izamuhaye, JC; Nkundanyirazo, E; Ngaboyisonga, C; Bucagu, C & Karangwa, P
Abstract
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of fungi that are toxic to humans and animals
when consumed in contaminated food and feed. The Rwandan climate conditions like
steady temperature and sufficient rainfall favor the growth of fungi leading to high
probability of mycotoxins contamination. Mycotoxins get into maize throughout the
value chain from the field to processed products. Maize is promoted in Rwanda under
the Crop Intensification Program (CIP), for nutrition and food security. The aim of the
study was to evaluate mycotoxins (Aflatoxin and fumonisin) levels in maize and assess
awareness and factors associated with mycotoxin contamination in Rwanda. Maize
samples (227 kg) from season B 2019 were collected in 15 Districts in five provinces of
Rwanda after an interview with a representative of the household or cooperative using a
structured questionnaire. The samples were analyzed for aflatoxin and fumonisin using
Reveal Q+ and AccuScan Gold Reader. From the interview, most of the respondents
were not aware about aflatoxin (59.7 %) and 99 % did not know the effect of mycotoxins
on human health. The average of aflatoxin contamination in surveyed districts was
6.69±13 μg/kg. In general, 90.4 % of samples scored below the limit of aflatoxin level
regulated in East Africa/Kenya regulation standards (10 μg/kg). The levels of aflatoxin
ranged between 0 and 100.9 μg/kg. The means aflatoxin levels within districts ranged
between 1.36±0.5 μg/kg and 13.75±25 μg/kg. Among 9.6 % of the samples containing
aflatoxins above the EU and Kenyan regulations standard limit, 5.7 % were above the
US standards of 20 μg/kg. Within clusters, the level of aflatoxin more than 10 μg/kg was
5 %, 7 % and 18 % for stores, household and market samples, respectively. From the
study, as mechanical damage of grains, moisture content of grains and the temperature
of the store house increased, Aflatoxin level also increased. Fumonisin analyzed in maize
ranged from 0 to 2.3 μg/g and only one sample from market showed a slightly higher
level of fumonisin than the EU and US limit of 2 μg/g. More effort for aflatoxin
mitigation is needed at the market level. Farmers need to be aware and taught how they
can improve their agricultural system and more knowledge on mycotoxin control is
needed. The results point to appropriate measures to recommend for control of
mycotoxins in Rwanda and awareness creation.
Keywords
AccuScan; Aflatoxin; Fumonisin; Fungal; Maize; Mycotoxins; Reveal Q+; Rwanda
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