Empowering farmers to save every grain: IITA trains extension agents on management of post-harvest losses and aflatoxin control in maize

20 October 2025

In a renewed effort to combat post-harvest losses and ensure safe food systems, IITA-CGIAR, and the TAAT Clearinghouse in collaboration with SASAKAWA Africa Association, has trained extension agents and maize lead farmers on improved post-harvest handling, grain quality, and aflatoxin management.

The two-day workshop, held on 9–10 October 2025, at the Agricultural Development Program (ADP) office in Lafia, Nasarawa state, brought together field officers, researchers, farmers, and development partners to strengthen their capacity in adequate storage and grain quality management.

Speaking during a presentation, Reuben Solomon, a senior research support officer and post-harvest specialist at IITA Kano, emphasized that post-harvest losses remain a significant bottleneck in Africa’s food value chain. “We invest heavily in production, but much is lost between the farm and the table,” he said, adding that technologies like hermetic storage and biological control can change that narrative.

Highlighting the science behind maize quality, Gregory Nwaoliwe,  food nutritionist at IITA Ibadan, explained that maintaining grain quality begins in the field. He urged farmers to harvest their grains promptly, dry them properly, and store them in clean, airtight containers to maintain both nutritional value and market quality.

Solomon provided insight into the scale of losses in Sub-Saharan Africa, estimated to be between 20% and 30%, and introduced participants to Aflasafe. This IITA-developed biocontrol product protects maize from aflatoxin contamination. He also demonstrated safe drying, sorting, and hermetic storage techniques, including the use of the Cocoon storage system and the application of Diatomaceous Earth for pest control.

Participants described the training as highly beneficial. “I learned new techniques that I will pass on to farmers in my community,” said Muhammad Musa Arume, one of the attending extension agents.

The workshop concluded with a call from Dr Adeoti Razack, a TAAT Consultant with IITA Benin, for ongoing farmer sensitization and the adoption of innovative post-harvest technologies to safeguard Nigeria’s maize sector and promote food safety across the region.

Contributed by Sarah Sallau