Pre- and post-harvest practices, aflatoxin risk, and food security under two agroecological zones in Ghana

Abstract Aspergillus section Flavi produces naturally occurring secondary metabolites called aflatoxins. Maize is vital to the livelihood of poor people and the rural economies of many developing countries. Aflatoxin contamination is prevalent in maize, making it one of the most susceptible grains. This study compares pre- and post-harvest practices used by farmers in two agroecological zones in Ghana and relates them to practices that prevent aflatoxin contamination of maize. It was conducted in Ghana's forest and savannah agroecological zones between September 2019 and March 2020. 800 individuals were selected for the study using a multistage selection approach that adhered to probability sampling techniques. A semi-structured questionnaire was the primary method and data collection tool. A 1kg maize sample was obtained from farmers for aflatoxin analysis. Pre-harvest practices such as weed control, fertiliser application, irrigation, and aflasafe application were used by farmers in both ecological zones. Chemical weed control was used by most farmers (64.9%) in both zones. Fertiliser application was common among farmers in the savannah zone (97%), while pest control was common in the forest zone (87%). Only 3.2% of the farmers use irrigation, and 3.1% use aflasafe. Some post-harvest practices in both zones included drying, sorting, shelling, and packaging. Most farmers (87.9%) allowed their maize to dry fully on the farm before harvesting. The main method of shelling in the forest zone was beating (74.9%), while shellers were used in the savannah zone (90.6%). Most farmers (74.0%) used sorted grains as animal feed, and 25.0% as food. 3.9% of farmers used Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags. Farmers should be educated on the right pre-harvest interventions, such as timely weeding, proper irrigation, fertiliser application, and aflasafe application, as well as post-harvest interventions, including correct drying methods, proper packaging during storage, and suitable storage conditions.