Household maize storage practices and aflatoxin contamination in Makueni County, Kenya

Abstract

Introduction: Aflatoxicosis resulting from consumption of contaminated maize poses a significant public health problem in many countries including Kenya, and many people living in developing countries could be chronically exposed to aflatoxin through their diet. It is caused by Aflatoxins produced by fungus of species Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus found mainly in cereals and other foodstuffs.
Objective of the study: To determine maize storage practices and their association with aflatoxin contamination of maize in Makueni County, Kenya.
Study design: A cross-sectional study design in Makueni County, with comparative assessment of two sites, to determine household maize storage practices and aflatoxin contamination of maize.
Methods: Four hundred and fifty households (225 from each study site) which had maize in household were randomly sampled and household heads or their representatives interviewed using questionnaires. In addition, a sub-sample comprising 10 percent of the sampled households had their maize samples collected for moisture content determination using Portable Grain Moisture Tester, and for aflatoxin determination using Enzyme Linked Immunoassay (ELISA) Test, and for aflatoxin sub-type determination using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
Results: Majority of households stored their maize in bags which were kept on raised platform. This was followed by storing maize in traditional cribs, storing maize with cobs directly on the floor, keeping maize under or on top of roof and storing maize on improved cribs, but none of the households stored their maize in sealed containers. Majority of households stored their maize properly. However, storing maize in grains form in bags/sacks was preferred by most households. Mean length of storage of maize was about two months. The frequency of store cleaning of maize stores was about three times per two months. This study has shown that duration of maize while in storage (storage time) had significant positive correlation with aflatoxin content in maize (P<0.05). Frequency of store cleaning had significant negative correlation with aflatoxin content (P<0.05). Results further indicated significant association between proper maize storage in households and discoloration of maize (P<0.05). Poor maize storage practices was also associated with pests/insects infestation in stored maize (P<0.05). Moreover poor storage was also significantly associated with moldy infestation and aflatoxin content in maize (P<0.05). Moldy condition of maize had significant association with aflatoxin content while maize affected by pests/insects had significant association with aflatoxin content. Moisture content in maize had positive correlation with aflatoxin content while ventilation of maize store had significant association with aflatoxin content in maize.
Conclusion: Households store maize using various methods with the main aim being prevention of contamination and spoilage of maize. Some of the maize storage practices were found to be associated with aflatoxin contamination of maize. There is need, therefore, for households to adopt proper maize storage practices. Policy makers and stakeholders should also encourage households to adopt and practice proper maize practices as this can greatly contribute to reduction of moisture content and aflatoxin contamination of maize.

Keywords: Household, maize, maize storage practices, aflatoxin, aflatoxin contamination

Afr J Health Sci. 2016; 29(2):89-105