ASSESSMENT OF MYCOTOXIN CONTAMINATION AND RISK MITIGATION IN TRADITIONAL NIGERIAN GRAINS

ASSESSMENT OF MYCOTOXIN CONTAMINATION AND RISK MITIGATION IN TRADITIONAL NIGERIAN GRAINS CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background to the Study Traditional grains such as maize, millet, sorghum, and rice are essential staples in Nigeria's food system and form the dietary foundation for millions. These grains are deeply rooted in indigenous culinary culture and are critical to the food security of both rural and urban populations. In addition to their cultural significance, they are primary contributors to daily caloric intake, particularly among low- and middle-income households. Their versatility in food processing and adaptability to Nigeria’s diverse agroecological zones make them indispensable in local diets and traditional practices. Grains also serve as a major source of livelihood and income for a significant portion of Nigeria’s agricultural population. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (2021), the agricultural sector contributes approximately 25% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with grain production forming a substantial segment. Exportation of grains like sesame seeds and sorghum further enhances Nigeria’s trade balance. These grains also support local agro-processing industries, feed production for livestock, and play a vital role in the informal economy, making them central to national economic sustainability. However, the value of these grains is increasingly undermined by the growing threat of mycotoxin contamination. Mycotoxins, toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi such as Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium, pose a significant health hazard when grains are improperly handled, stored, or processed (Adebayo et al., 2022). These toxins—especially aflatoxins, fumonisins, and ochratoxins—are resistant to traditional cooking processes and can cause acute and chronic health issues including immunosuppression, liver cancer, and stunted growth in children. In tropical climates like Nigeria, environmental conditions such as high humidity and temperature favor fungal proliferation in grains during post-harvest handling, storage, and market distribution (Nwankwo et al., 2021). The lack of adequate drying technologies, poorly ventilated storage systems, and insufficient public awareness heighten the risk of mycotoxin development. These issues are compounded by weak enforcement of food safety regulations and poor access to monitoring tools. Risk mitigation strategies are essential to reducing mycotoxin-related food safety hazards. Several approaches, including biological control (e.g., the use of Aflasafe), hermetic storage systems, improved drying techniques, and awareness programs, have shown promise in recent studies (Okonkwo & Musa, 2023). Despite their availability, adoption levels among traditional grain handlers remain low, necessitating further empirical evaluation. Given the grave health implications and economic losses attributed to mycotoxin contamination, this study seeks to assess the level of contamination and evaluate the effectiveness of existing mitigation strategies in selected grain markets and production hubs in Nigeria. Focusing on both producers and end-users, this research aims to provide actionable insights to improve public health and enhance food safety compliance. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Despite the increasing attention on food safety in Nigeria, incidences of mycotoxin-contaminated grains continue to rise, raising public health concerns. Reports by the Nigerian Food Safety Management Agency (2022) indicate that over 40% of sampled maize in traditional markets contain aflatoxin levels exceeding acceptable safety limits. This exposes millions of Nigerians, especially children and immune-compromised individuals, to serious health risks. Yet, public awareness of the implications of mycotoxin exposure remains critically low. Mycotoxin contamination also translates to substantial economic losses through rejected exports, reduced market value, and increased healthcare costs. For instance, maize consignments valued at millions of naira have been consistently rejected by international markets due to aflatoxin content (FAO, 2023). These losses undermine Nigeria’s effort to diversify the economy through non-oil exports. Moreover, local food processors often lack the technical knowledge or resources to implement mitigation practices, thereby compounding food safety threats. Although interventions such as biocontrol agents and improved post-harvest practices have been introduced, their uptake has been limited due to factors like cost, lack of training, and socio-cultural resistance. Existing studies often focus on prevalence without adequately exploring the socio-economic dynamics of adoption and implementation of these mitigation strategies. Thus, there exists a critical gap in knowledge regarding the practical effectiveness of these measures in real-world contexts in Nigeria, especially within traditional grain supply chains. 1.3 Objectives of the Study 1. To assess the level of mycotoxin contamination in selected traditional Nigerian grains. 2. To identify common post-harvest practices that contribute to mycotoxin contamination. 3. To evaluate the effectiveness of existing risk mitigation strategies used in grain storage and processing. 4. To examine the socio-economic factors influencing the adoption of mycotoxin mitigation measures. 1.4 Research Questions 1. What is the level of mycotoxin contamination in commonly consumed traditional grains in Nigeria? 2. What post-harvest practices contribute to the presence of mycotoxins in grains? 3. How effective are the existing risk mitigation strategies in controlling mycotoxin contamination? 4. What socio-economic factors affect the adoption of risk mitigation strategies by grain handlers? 1.5 Research Hypotheses H1: There is a significant relationship between post-harvest practices and the level of mycotoxin contamination in traditional grains. H2: Risk mitigation strategies significantly reduce the incidence of mycotoxin contamination in traditional grains. 1.6 Significance of the Study This study is significant to policymakers as it provides empirical data that can guide the formulation of national food safety regulations and agricultural extension policies. By identifying the gaps in the adoption of existing mitigation strategies, the findings can influence targeted interventions for reducing mycotoxin risks across Nigeria’s grain value chain. For community stakeholders, particularly farmers, traders, and processors, the research highlights practical and low-cost techniques that can minimize health hazards and economic losses. The results can be integrated into local extension programs, thereby enhancing grain quality and community health. In the academic and scientific community, this study adds to the growing literature on food safety and public health. Its focus on indigenous grain systems and socio-economic adoption factors offers novel insights for future interdisciplinary research in food science, public health, and rural development. 1.7 Scope of the Study The study focuses on assessing mycotoxin contamination in traditional Nigerian grains such as maize, millet, and sorghum, with particular emphasis on post-harvest handling, storage practices, and risk mitigation measures. The study examines both biochemical and behavioral aspects of grain handling to understand contamination pathways and effective control measures. Geographically, the study is limited to selected grain markets and farming communities in Kaduna State, North-Western Nigeria. The independent variables include post-harvest practices and mitigation strategies, while the dependent variable is the level of mycotoxin contamination. 1.8 Definition of Key Terms 1. Mycotoxins: Toxic chemical compounds produced by fungi that contaminate agricultural products, especially grains, during storage or handling. 2. Traditional Grains: Cereal crops such as maize, sorghum, millet, and rice that are widely cultivated and consumed in Nigeria using indigenous methods. 3. Risk Mitigation: The adoption of practices and technologies aimed at reducing the likelihood or impact of a hazard, such as mycotoxin contamination. 4. Post-Harvest Practices: Activities undertaken after grain harvesting, including drying, storage, transportation, and processing, which influence product quality and safety. Draft References Adebayo, M. T., Usman, R. & Ikenna, P. (2022). Assessment of Aflatoxin Contamination in Maize in Northern Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Food Safety, 9(2), 105–118. Nwankwo, A. C., Adeyemi, L. O., & Bala, G. (2021). Post-Harvest Practices and Mycotoxin Risks in Rural Markets. Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, 11(1), 59–70. Okonkwo, J. & Musa, A. (2023). Efficacy of Biocontrol and Hermetic Storage in Mycotoxin Reduction. West African Journal of Food and Nutrition, 7(3), 134–149. FAO. (2023). Food Safety and Aflatoxin Control in Developing Countries: A Review. Rome: FAO Publications. National Bureau of Statistics. (2021). Agricultural Performance Report. Abuja: NBS. Nigerian Food Safety Management Agency. (2022). Annual Food Contamination Surveillance Report. Abuja: NFMSA.