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Improving child nutrition through avoidance of aflatoxin in rural areas of Africa (a case study of northern Nigeria)

¹Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
²University of Segou, Mali
³Flour of Nigeria, Nigeria
⁴Vintage Fibres, Kenya

Abstract

In Sub-Saharan Africa, a shocking twenty-eight million children are experiencing stunted growth due to malnutrition. This prevents them from developing to their full potential mentally, physically and it is largely irreversible. It is estimated that malnutrition contributes to more than one third of all child deaths. It affects the child’s development due to lack of food and nutrition needed for growth and thriving. Nutrition is a foundation for steady brain architecture.
Nigeria has the second highest burden of stunted children in the world, with a national prevalence rate of 32 percent of children under five. An estimated 2 million children in Nigeria suffer from severe acute malnutrition (SAM), but only two out of every 10 children affected is currently reached with treatment.
Aflatoxin is a mycotoxin responsible for contamination of agricultural products and Africa is highly susceptible to aflatoxin contamination. The kernel of groundnut and maize are easily contaminated by aflatoxin. The major cause of contamination is poor handling at every point of contact. The body systems of children are known for easy absorption of substances from food which poses a threat to their health because these chemicals are highly carcinogenic and the lowest levels of exposure can result in measurable human health impacts.
This project aims to sensitize rural inhabitants on the handling of maize and groundnut which constitute the bulk of children food formulation. Improving the average northern children nutrition by optimum use of available resources and building awareness all through the localities.

Keywords: Aflatoxin, groundnut, maize, malnutrition

Contact Address: Funmilayo Odunuga, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Abeokuta, Nigeria, e-mail: fumex2009gmail.com