AFLATOXIN CONTAMINATION AND AFLATOXIGENIC FUNGI IN GROUNDNUT (Arachis hypogaea L.) AND STAKHOLDERS’ AWARENESS ALONG THE VALUE CHAIN AND REACTION OF GROUNDNUT VARIETIES TO ASPERGILLUS FLAVUS AND AFLATOXIN IN EASTERN ETHIOPIA

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.