Abstract:
Aflatoxins are common contaminants in groundnut. They pose considerable risk to human and
animal health and have significant economic implication. Information on aflatoxin and aflatoxigenic
fungi in groundnut in Ethiopia is limited and further studies are warranted. The purpose of this study
was to determine Aspergillus species infection and aflatoxin contamination of groundnut and
stakeholders’ awareness about aflatoxin along the groundnut value chain, and evaluation of
groundnut varieties for reaction to A. flavus infection and aflatoxin contamination in Eastern
Ethiopia. A total of 150 samples of groundnut seeds were collected from farmers’ fields at harvest,
farmers’ storage, market retailers and venders and isolation and identification of Aspergillus species
infection and analysis of aflatoxin contamination were done. To assess awareness questionnaires
from 165 respondants among value chain actors were collected and analyzed. In the field experiment,
16 groundnut varieties were evaluated and analyzed. Samples analysis indicated that the proportion
of seed contamination by Aspergillus species varied from 6% in roasted seed collected from vendors
to 85% in seed samples from farmers’ fields. Seed moisture contents and infection with Aspergillus
species were positively correlated and significant. Out of 150 samples, 91 samples were positive for
aflatoxin contamination, ranging from 1 ppb to 1012 ppb. Seed moisture contents were positively
and significantly correlated with aflatoxin levels. Also, A. flavus infection and total aflatoxin levels
were positively correlated and significant. We found that 65% of the actors, i.e. 90.7% farmers,
83.3% traders, 26.7% supporters and 60% consumers were unaware of aflatoxin contamination and
its consequence. Moreover, there was no significant difference in responses between farmers (97.3%)
and traders (96.7%) in knowledge of long-term exposure to aflatoxigenic fungi and aflatoxin. Among
the 16 varieties evaluated, Baha Gudo (13.70%), Sartu (14%) and Sedi (14.23%) were resistant to A.
flavus infection(< 15%). Moreover, Baha Gudo (1.93 ppb), Sartu (3.70 ppb) and Sedi (6.40 ppb)
were resistant to aflatoxin contamination (< 15 ppb). In conclusion application of proper pre-harvest
and post-harvest management of Aspergillus species and aflatoxin contamination at farmers’ fields
and storage and high quality maintenance in the groundnut value chain are needed. Awareness
creation among different stakholders’ are needed. Pending confirmation through further
assessments, the varieties that showed resistance could form part of an integrated management
of aflatoxin contamination in Eastern Ethiopia.
