Draft-NASAM

INTRODUCTION

Aflatoxin is a mycotoxin produced by naturally occurring mould (fungi) found in the environment. The aflatoxin producing mould thrives best in humid and warm tropical areas, making Africa a conducive breeding ground for such moulds.

Aflatoxin-producing fungi vary widely in many characteristics, including virulence for crops and aflatoxin-producing capacity. Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus are most commonly implicated as causal agents of aflatoxin contamination.

THE NASAM PROJECT

The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) awarded the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) a project support grant to carry out the National Aflatoxin Sensitisation and Management (NASAM) Project for two years.

The project aims to catalyse and sustain an inclusive agricultural transformation by improving food safety and security through increased knowledge about aflatoxins, its impacts and management.

It is expected that the project will:

APPROACH:

The Ghana Standards Authority in collaboration with the relevant institutions and stakeholders will organise national and regional workshops throughout Ghana with the view of sensitising/educating primary and secondary actors in the relevant value chains on the occurrence of aflatoxins and ways of reducing their impacts on consumer health and trade in general. In order to achieve these objectives, the GSA will utilize the following for optimum impact:

Production of video animations and documentary on aflatoxins and its management.

TARGET:

The project seeks to target 5,000 farmers and 2,000 value chain actors directly, and 600,000 households indirectly. The following are some targeted groups:

1. Smallholder farmers and Extension officers