Management of aflatoxins and pesticide residues through agroecology

Lead Organization:

L'Institut d'Economie Rurale

Partner Organizations:

Cooperatives of farmers, market gardeners, breeders, processors, transporters, and traders; Technical services from the Ministries of Agriculture (DNA), Livestock (DNPIA, DNSV), Trade and Competition (DGCC), Environment (DNACPN), Health (INSP); Local authorities: Mayor, village chief, youth representative, women's representative, school departments; Media for the popularization of research results

Community of Practice:

West Africa

Countries:

Mali

Duration:

11/2024—11/2027

Overview:

This project integrates the One Health approach with agroecology to combat the rising global threats of aflatoxins and pesticide residues in food and feed. These contaminants primarily affect vulnerable populations in developing countries due to poor farm management and climate change. The project aims to develop agroecological practices that reduce contamination and improve soil fertility, providing healthy, nutritious, and safe food while enhancing environmental sustainability. The project also includes training and communication strategies for stakeholders to adopt these practices and reduce health risks, particularly for sensitive groups such as women, children, and youth.

Grant Aims:

  • Identify agroecological practices to reduce aflatoxins and pesticide residues while improving soil fertility.
  • Develop preservation and processing techniques to reduce contamination.
  • Strengthen the capacities of actors across the value chain in best agroecological practices.
  • Improve communication to inform stakeholders on aflatoxins and pesticide residues issues.

Outputs and Outcomes:

Outputs

  • Output 1: Identification of agroecological practices that reduce aflatoxin and pesticide residue incidence and improve soil fertility.
    • Activities include evaluating crop rotation, use of compost and manure, and biological pest control.
  • Output 2: Identification of processing and preservation techniques to reduce contamination.
    • Activities focus on improving storage conditions (temperature, humidity, packaging, location) and conducting analyses at key points in the value chain.
  • Output 3: Strengthened capacities of stakeholders along the value chain in good agroecological practices, conservation, and processing techniques.
    • Activities include training of farmers, processors, and other actors in the value chain.
  • Output 4: Development of a communication strategy to inform stakeholders about the risks of aflatoxins and pesticide residues.
    • Activities will involve creating thematic sketches, using radio programs, social networks, and inter-farmer visits to disseminate knowledge.

Outcomes

  • Outcome 1: Agroecological practices and processing techniques adopted by stakeholders, leading to a reduction in aflatoxins and pesticide residues in food and feed.
  • Outcome 2: Enhanced capacity of stakeholders in the value chain to implement and scale up agroecological practices that improve food safety and environmental health.
  • Outcome 3: Increased awareness among communities and relevant actors about the risks of aflatoxins and pesticide residues and the importance of sustainable practices.

Partnership & Collaboration:
A broad range of actors will collaborate to ensure the success of this project:

  • Cooperatives and local stakeholders (farmers, market gardeners, breeders, processors, transporters, traders): Involved in selecting agroecological options, demonstration tests, and participating in extension and training workshops.
  • Government Ministries: Including the Ministries of Agriculture, Livestock, Trade, Environment, and Health, who will help develop protocols, offer technical support, and participate in training and extension workshops.
  • Local Authorities: Mayors, village chiefs, and representatives from youth and women’s groups will facilitate the introduction of agroecological options and workshops within their communities.
  • Media: Will be involved in the popularization of research results and the communication of key findings to the public.

This collaborative effort ensures that the project is grounded in local realities, with wide-reaching support from government, local communities, and key stakeholders.