Communique: Workshop on Combating Aflatoxins in the Maize Value Chain of Africa

Abstract

This communique presents outcomes of the workshop of the Maize value chain held on 4-5 December 2017, the African Union’s Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA) and key partners brought together African stakeholders in order to galvanize a multi-sectoral response towards addressing the impacts of aflatoxins in the maize value chains. Maize is one of the most susceptible crops to aflatoxin contamination. Nearly all outbreaks of acute aflatoxin poisoning that led to tragic loss of lives in Africa are related to consumption of maize containing high aflatoxin levels. In addition, given the high per capita consumption of maize, moderately contaminated maize is a source of chronic exposure to aflatoxins with a range of adverse health effects including liver cancer. Communique: Workshop on Combating Aflatoxins in the Maize Value Chain of Africa