Two innovative pilot projects have been launched by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Kigali-based agriculture startup AflaSight, and research firm Vanguard Economics to assist farmers and grain traders in Rwanda in reducing the prevalence of aflatoxins in crops and grains.
The fungus Aspergillus produces aflatoxin, which is found in a wide range of crops and grains. Aflatoxin, which is commonly found in maize flours and maize-fed animal products such as milk, is linked to immune system suppression, childhood malnutrition, and can be fatal in high amounts. Over 500 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa are estimated to be exposed to aflatoxin, which has substantial long-term health consequences, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Agro-processors in Rwanda struggle to get locally cultivated, high-quality, non-contaminated maize and must rely on imports. Meanwhile, contaminated corn is widely available on the black market. WFP, IFC, and partners are launching two pilots to help fight this issue.
IFC is implementing two mobile grain testing facilities for the initial trial, which will move between ten key grain trade hubs across Rwanda. These “AflaKiosks,” which are being implemented by Vanguard Economics, will provide free grain testing services, allowing traders and farmers to evaluate the quality of their grain before selling it, giving farmers access to additional markets and higher prices for their uncontaminated maize. The Private Sector Window of the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program is supporting the Aflakiosk pilot (GAFSP).
The second pilot involves the testing of cutting-edge sorting gear capable of detecting and sorting aflatoxin-infected corn. The World Food Programme’s Innovation Accelerator is assisting Kigali-based AflaSight in piloting the machinery, which is the first of its kind in Africa. Trials of the machine revealed that it eliminated aflatoxins by up to 90% with only a 5% volume loss and could process up to 20 metric tons of maize per hour.
“The goal of this pilot is to aid in the resolution of the aflatoxin problem in maize, both in Rwanda and throughout Africa. The idea is for consumers to eat less contaminated food while also establishing a quality link for smallholder farmers by connecting them with premium customers. This will increase the earnings, livelihoods, and food security of smallholder farmers “WFP Country Director for Rwanda, Edith Heines, stated.
“We can assist unlock the potential of Rwanda’s high-quality grain market through this collaboration with IFC and WFP and our other partners, producing more income for smallholder farmers and enhancing Rwanda’s ability to obtain required grains locally,” said Amena Arif, IFC’s Country Manager for Rwanda.
Aflatoxin is more likely in Rwanda and Eastern Africa because of high humidity levels and a lack of mechanical post-harvest techniques among smallholder farmers. It is difficult for farmers to detect because it is invisible to the naked eye, and once present, it is untreatable. Increased availability of high-quality grain is expected to increase market stability, lower import costs, and encourage more investment in the agricultural value chain.
The two prototype technologies will be installed near major maize trading markets in Rwanda. AflaSight will also provide ancillary services such as maize sorting, aflatoxin testing, and drying, which will improve overall maize quality and connect farmers and dealers with large, official grain buyers. Both pilots are scheduled to run for six months, during which time reviews will be conducted to identify areas for improvement and potential country extension.
