The Significant Role of Post-Harvest Management in Farm Management, Aflatoxin Mitigation and Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Post-harvest losses in sub-Saharan region in Africa are estimated to be about 30% annually. This review examines the vital role which post-harvest management plays in the management of crop farms and in the mitigation of aflatoxin poisoning. The capitalization of this role offers a cheaper way of improving food production in the sub-Saharan region which is drought prone and has to a large extent, seen as food insecure. Studies have shown that proper post-harvest management, especially the use of the small scale metal silo, contributes to better quality of grains, less pesticide usage and can accelerate agribusiness, therefore directly contributing to rural development and poverty reduction. However, not much effort has being invested in reducing post-harvest food losses especially in staple cereals like maize and legumes, even after many studies have shown that it offers an essential way of increasing food availability without the need of other resources. Furthermore, post-harvest management offers a cheaper way for diet diversification, which is crucial in aflatoxin poisoning reduction. This review also presents a model by which can be used in reducing the entry of toxigenic Aspergillus flavus in the grain supply chain.