Country and Economic Assessment for Aflatoxin Contamination and Control in Tanzania; A supplement to the 2012 Report

Abstract

This report supplements the report released by the Abt Associates Inc in 2013 on the Country and Economic Assessment for Aflatoxins in Tanzania. It is an output of the work done by the United Republic of Tanzania, through national consultants led by the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), with support from the African Union Commission through the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA). Extensive information on knowledge and awareness of aflatoxins among Tanzanians as well as information on aflatoxin contamination for maize and groundnuts was collected. Data of aflatoxins contamination in rice from three main rice growing districts of Tanzania; Kilosa (Morogoro), Mbarali (Mbeya) and Misungwi (Shinyanga) were also collected. A review of existing food safety policies and those being developed, to identify gaps that could be addressed to strengthen the food safety system of Tanzania was also performed. In addition, a health and economic impact analysis for aflatoxins, based on aflatoxin biomarker data for children in Tabora, Iringa and Kilimanjaro, was done. The Tanzania Food Security Investment Plan (TAFSIP) document was reviewed to identify areas into which aflatoxin measures could be mainstreamed. The situation analysis and action planning was conducted in consultation with several key stakeholders including the government line ministries, regional economic communities (RECs), donors and the private sector. It was found that the general awareness about aflatoxins was low, amongst stakeholders interviewed. Furthermore, it was found that knowledge about Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) is not widespread and that guidelines on GAP were not available