Barriers to adoption of aflatoxin mitigating strategies: Insights from a case study of Uganda’sWest Nile region

Abstract

Aflatoxin contamination in staple crops presents considerable health risks and economic losses for smallholder farmers in Uganda. This study assessed the knowledge and awareness of aflatoxin contamination and mitigation strategies among smallholder farmers in the West Nile region. A survey of 393 farmers, supplemented by four focus group discussions with 60 participants, was conducted. Quantitative results revealed that only 21.9% of farmers were aware of aflatoxins, while 24.6% were aware of mitigation strategies. Multivariate analysis indicates that age (P < 0.001), gender (P = 0.015), and education level (P < 0.001), are significant predictors of awareness. Qualitative findings from thematic analysis indicated that limited technical knowledge, financial constraints, and insufficient agricultural extension services are barriers to aflatoxin awareness and mitigation. The study underscores the need for improved agricultural extension services, hands-on training, and policy interventions to promote effective aflatoxin management practices, including the use of biological control products, such as Aflasafe, among smallholder farmers in Uganda.