Eswatini Maize Farmers’ Perceptions, Knowledge, and Mycotoxin Management: Implications for Food Safety and Agricultural Development
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Maize (Zea mays L.) is the primary staple crop in Eswatini, crucial for food security and livelihoods. However, suboptimal farming and post-harvest practices in the subtropical climate create conditions conducive to mycotoxin contamination, posing risks to human and animal health. This study investigated the perceptions, knowledge, and mycotoxin management practices of 156 maize farmers across Eswatini’s agro-ecological zones using a structured questionnaire. Results revealed that while most farmers (94%) recognized moldy maize as unhealthy, a significant proportion (90.3%) still fed it to animals, and a small percentage (5.3%) consumed it. Post-harvest handling often involved leaving maize in the field, and drying methods varied, with maize cribs being common but field drying also prevalent. Shelling was largely mechanized (84.8%), and selling was the primary post-shelling action (92.7%). Storage durations varied, with longer periods in the Highveld. These findings highlight critical gaps in understanding the systemic risks of mycotoxins and the need for improved post-harvest management and targeted education. Tailored educational programs, strengthened extension services, infrastructure improvements, promotion of safe storage, public awareness campaigns, and further research and monitoring to mitigate mycotoxin contamination are essential to enhance food safety and agricultural development in Eswatini.
Authors: Ngwenya Siboniso Frank, Diana Marie Earnshaw, Yoseph Assefa
Institution: University of Eswatini
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4415683052