Posted on March, 27, 2024 at 08:01 am
In a unified effort to combat the pervasive threat of aflatoxin contamination in Uganda’s food and feed supply, a coalition of organizations led by the Food Rights Alliance (FRA), alongside the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF), and the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), has launched a groundbreaking campaign. The initiative, supported by key stakeholders including the Grain Council of Uganda (TGCU), the World Food Programme (WFP), and Feed the Future, aims to tackle the root causes of aflatoxin contamination and empower stakeholders across the agricultural value chain.
Aflatoxins, poisonous molds found in harvests, have long been a concern for food safety and public health in Uganda. Studies have linked aflatoxin exposure to severe health disorders, including liver cancer, as well as stunted growth in livestock. Recent incidents of aflatoxin contamination in food exports have not only posed a threat to public health but have also led to the blocking of Ugandan food exports due to high aflatoxin levels, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue.
During the launch event, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, the Minister for Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, highlighted the government’s commitment to combating aflatoxin contamination. He emphasized the need for multi-sectoral collaboration and the implementation of effective control measures to protect citizens and enhance the competitiveness of Uganda’s agricultural products in the global market.
“The theme for today’s event, ‘Kicking Out Aflatoxins from Our Food and Animal Feed,’ underscores the importance of addressing aflatoxin contamination, which poses significant risks to public health, agriculture, and trade,” stated Dr. Paul Mwambu, representing the Ministry of Agriculture. “Aflatoxin-contaminated grains not only hinder international trade but also affect food security, nutrition, and health. Through strategic policies, investments in research and technology, and capacity-building initiatives, we aim to strengthen aflatoxin control across the agricultural value chain.”
The Joint Advocacy Campaign in Aflatoxin Control, spearheaded by the Food Rights Alliance (FRA) and supported by USAID through the Feed the Future Uganda Institutional and Systems Strengthening Activity, seeks to raise awareness of safe food and animal feed handling practices to reduce contamination. Ms. Agnes Kirabo, Executive Director of FRA, emphasized the importance of the campaign in mitigating the risks associated with aflatoxin contamination and promoting best practices among stakeholders.
“The country needs to ensure that all actors are very cautious about the risks that aflatoxin contamination brings to health but also to trade,” said Ms. Kirabo. “We are looking at raising civic consciousness and competency to engage in best practices to reduce and control aflatoxin levels.”
Stakeholders across the agricultural value chain, including farmers, aggregators, processors, transporters, traders, consumers, and policymakers, will be actively engaged in the campaign. Harriet Naabirye, a representative of the Grain Council of Uganda, expressed the organization’s commitment to raising awareness of aflatoxin contamination among farmers, traders, and consumers through various channels, including radio stations and social media platforms.
“In our vision, we aim to create a Uganda that feeds the entire region and is the preferred source of high-quality grains in East and Central Africa,” stated Naabirye. “By raising awareness and sharing information on combating aflatoxin contamination, we can contribute to achieving this vision and ensuring food safety and security for all.”
Through the promotion of proper harvesting and storage practices and the adoption of aflatoxin control measures, the campaign aims to safeguard public health and preserve Uganda’s market share within the region. With concerted efforts from government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other stakeholders, Uganda is poised to make significant strides in combating aflatoxin contamination and ensuring a safe and sustainable food supply for its citizens and beyond.
Source: Chimreports