Research project BL/02/LeapAgri01 (Research action BL)
Context and Objectives of the project
Food security remains a major challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa, with the highest prevalence of undernourishment. Worldwide, cereal-based crops are spoiled by toxigenic moulds and their mycotoxins. Food spoilage by moulds and mycotoxins not only reduces the amount of the available food, and can have deleterious effects for animal & human health, It also adversely affects the ability of Africa to trade with the rest of the world.
Objectives
The project aims (1) to provide safe-use options in Africa for AFs and/or FBs-contaminated food for children and adults through means of safe and efficient post-harvest intervention strategies, including nixtamalization, dehulling, fermentation and the usage of mycotoxin binders and/or modifiers investigated via in vitro and in vivo studies, (2) to develop intervention strategies to reduce human (paediatric) exposure to AFs through animal products (i.e. milk, meat and eggs), and (3) to improve sustainability of the acquired results by organizing education programmes and awareness campaigns that will facilitate best practices, transfer the acquired knowledge and help stakeholders to understand mycotoxin-associated health risks.
Expected results
(1) WP1: safe and efficient food-processing techniques that will be distributed to stakeholders, by a.o. the Kenyan Cereal Millers Association and the iZindaba Zokudla project (an isiZulu phrase for ‘Conversations about food’, which aims to create opportunities for urban agriculture in a sustainable food system);
(2) WP2: reliable information and training sessions to African mothers on the health risks associated with mycotoxins and how to use the mitigation methods;
(3) WP3+WP4: reliable information on how Afs and FBs in feed contribute to negative animal health and production effects in African dairy cattle, laying hens and broiler chickens;
(4) WP3: safe and efficient mycotoxin detoxifiers for African dairy cattle that will be distributed to stakeholders, by a.o. the Kenyan Cereal Millers Association, the iZindaba Zokudla Farmers’ Lab and BIOMIN;
(5) WP4: safe and efficient mycotoxin detoxifiers for African laying hens and broiler chickens that will be distributed to stakeholders, by a.o. the Kenyan Cereal Millers Association, the iZindaba Zokudla Farmers’ Lab and BIOMIN;
(6) all WPs: reliable analytical methods (Standard Operating Procedures or SOPs) to assess mycotoxins in food & feed, and their relevant biomarkers in human & food-producing animals.
