Training and Education

Analysts participate in a one-day training and qualification exercise on how to analyze samples for aflatoxin

Since 2015, Aflatoxin Testing and Qualification workshops have been held in an effort to improve overall aflatoxin testing accuracy in Africa. These workshops have involved a wide range of participants, including commercial millers, large-scale farmers, public health laboratorians, and local NGO affiliates. Analysts who successfully qualify receive a certificate of qualification.

Most recently, a collaboration with the World Food Program and the University of Nairobi in 2018 reached individuals from some of the most vulnerable food sectors in Kenya, including the Turkana, Marsabit, and Tana River counties. This joint effort targeted these counties’ newly established public health labs that will be responsible for testing for aflatoxin in food products served to public schools. A total of 60 individuals from newly established public health laboratories attended the training.

Grain grading workshops offer new training in aflatoxin testing

All cereal graders and inspectors in Kenya are required to be trained on cereal grading techniques in order to be updated with the new grading methodologies, limits, ethics, new varieties and any other related recent developments. Since 1989, the Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) have conducted these trainings. Beginning in 2017, the program expanded to include rapid testing for aflatoxin in cereal and pulses. As a result, the Office of the Texas State Chemist – Texas A&M AgriLife Research, in partnership with the University of Nairobi, was invited to assist with training and practical sessions for aflatoxin testing using rapid test kits, first in 2017 and again in 2018.

During the 5-day workshop held in November 2018, participants learned about proper sampling, sample preparation, and testing protocol. Participants were in attendance from a variety of organizations, including milling companies, private labs, public universities, and government and industry organizations. Forty five participants successfully completed the workshop and received certificates of participation.

Training and Qualification Workshops

• September 2015 – Nairobi, Kenya
• November 2015 – Nairobi, Kenya
• April 2016 – Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
• April 2016 – Kampala, Uganda
• April 2016 – Kigali, Rwanda
• November 2016 – Moshi, Tanzania
• May 2017 – Blantyre, Malawi
• May 2017 – Lilongwe, Malawi
• October 2017 – Nakuru-Njoro, Kenya
• April 2018 – Nairobi, Kenya
• June 2018 – Turkana County, Kenya
• June 2018 – Tana River County, Kenya
• June 2018 – Marsabit County, Kenya
• November 2018 – Nakuru-Njoro, Kenya
• June 2019 - Feed the Future Webinar on Managing Aflatoxin Risk