Agriculture

Training Course on Aflatoxin Management and Control for Food and Feed Security

Introduction

Aflatoxins are toxic metabolites produced by certain molds that grow in soil, decaying vegetation, hay, and grains. They pose a significant threat to food and feed safety, public health, and international trade. The contamination of staple foods such as maize, groundnuts, and animal feed contributes to chronic health issues, reduced agricultural productivity, and economic losses in both developing and developed countries. With growing concerns about global food safety and security, aflatoxin control is a critical component of sustainable agriculture and public health protection.

Training Course on Aflatoxin Management and Control for Food and Feed Security is designed to equip stakeholders across the value chain—from farmers to policymakers—with advanced knowledge, tools, and techniques for the prevention, detection, and mitigation of aflatoxins. Participants will explore modern approaches, emerging technologies, and regulatory frameworks aimed at reducing aflatoxin exposure. Emphasis will be placed on food system resilience, risk communication, bio-control strategies, and integrated supply chain practices that enhance food safety and market access.

Programme Curriculum

Training Course on Aflatoxin Management and Control for Food and Feed Security

Introduction

Course Objectives

Understand the sources and impact of aflatoxins on health, food, and feed systems.
Identify high-risk crops and climatic conditions conducive to aflatoxin growth.
Apply Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) to minimize pre-harvest contamination.
Implement post-harvest handling and storage techniques for toxin reduction.
Utilize bio-control agents like Aflasafe in field applications.
Conduct rapid aflatoxin testing using mobile and lab-based technologies.
Analyze regulatory frameworks and international standards (e.g., Codex Alimentarius).
Develop early warning systems and predictive models for aflatoxin outbreaks.
Promote risk communication strategies for public health awareness.
Integrate aflatoxin control in One Health and food systems approaches.
Evaluate economic and trade impacts of aflatoxin contamination.
Design community-based interventions for aflatoxin awareness and control.
Create actionable policy and institutional frameworks for long-term resilience.

Target Audiences

Agricultural Extension Officers
Public Health Officials
Food and Feed Processors
Farmers and Cooperatives
Researchers and Academics
Quality Assurance Managers
Policy Makers and Regulators
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

Course Duration: 10 days

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Aflatoxins and Mycotoxins

Definition and classification
Health and economic impacts
Key sources of contamination
Global prevalence and burden
Importance in food security
Case Study: Aflatoxin outbreaks in Kenya and public response

Module 2: Climate Change and Aflatoxin Risk

Environmental triggers
Drought and humidity cycles
Climate-smart agriculture
Mapping vulnerable zones
Monitoring tools
Case Study: Predictive modeling in Sub-Saharan Africa

Module 3: Pre-Harvest Management

Crop rotation strategies
Resistant crop varieties
Proper planting schedules
Soil health practices
Pest and disease control
Case Study: Pre-harvest GAPs in Nigerian maize farming

Module 4: Post-Harvest Handling and Storage

Drying protocols
Hermetic storage solutions
Sorting and grading
Storage infrastructure
Transport best practices
Case Study: Hermetic bags in Uganda maize storage

Module 5: Testing and Detection Technologies

Rapid test kits
ELISA and HPLC methods
Cost-effective screening
Mobile lab units
Field testing protocols
Case Study: Portable detection kits in East Africa

Module 6: Bio-Control and Natural Solutions

Aflasafe application
Fungal competition mechanisms
Field deployment
Community adoption
Monitoring effectiveness
Case Study: Scaling Aflasafe in Nigeria

Module 7: Regulatory Frameworks and Standards

Codex standards
National legislation
Compliance mechanisms
Trade and export issues
Harmonization efforts
Case Study: EU aflatoxin limits and African exports

Module 8: Risk Communication and Public Awareness

Crafting public messages
Media and outreach tools
Community radio programs
School and youth education
Stakeholder engagement
Case Study: Awareness campaign in Ethiopia

Module 9: Integrated Supply Chain Management

Traceability systems
Stakeholder coordination
Quality assurance
Supplier training
Monitoring protocols
Case Study: Integrated approach in Tanzanian peanut sector

Module 10: Human and Animal Health Impacts

Acute and chronic exposure
Cancer and immune effects
Vulnerable populations
Feed-to-food transmission
Mitigation in feed supply
Case Study: Livestock losses due to aflatoxin in Kenya

Module 11: Food Processing and Decontamination

Heat and chemical treatments
Binding agents
Fermentation effects
Processing losses
Quality retention
Case Study: Detoxification methods in groundnut oil production

Module 12: Economic Impacts and Trade Barriers

Direct vs. indirect costs
Market rejection losses
Policy interventions
Incentive structures
Export readiness
Case Study: Trade loss due to aflatoxins in East Africa

Module 13: Technology Transfer and Innovation

Tech hubs and innovation centers
Farmer mobile apps
Data analytics tools
Extension services
Scaling models
Case Study: Tech transfer in Ghana’s agri-sector

Module 14: Community-Based Interventions

Training and capacity building
Local champions
Participatory approaches
Women and youth inclusion
Behavior change strategies
Case Study: Rural community-led control in Malawi

Module 15: Policy and Institutional Strengthening

National aflatoxin strategies
Inter-agency collaboration
Budget allocation
Policy advocacy
Monitoring and evaluation
Case Study: Aflatoxin policy reforms in Rwanda

Training Methodology

Interactive lectures and expert presentations
Group discussions and scenario-based learning
Demonstrations of testing kits and storage tools
Field visits to farms and processing centers
Case study analysis and action planning
Simulation exercises on contamination response

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@fineskilltrainingcenter.org or call +254769199797

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to Fineskill Training Center account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.

Skills & Software Covered

Aflatoxin control food safety risk management

Programme Fee

Duration: 10 Days

Method: Online or Physical

Online Price: $2,000

Physical Price: $3,000

Certification: Accredited Certificate

View Available Dates 📄 Download Course Outline (PDF)

Available Sessions

Location

Month

Year

Nov 09 2026

09 Nov — 20 Nov 2026

💻 Online / Virtual session

Online $2,000