Our Experience

Kenya Diagnostics For All Aflatoxin Field Demonstration Plan

Project Description
This one-month Diagnostics for All (DFA)-funded activity worked with smallholder farmers in Kenya to conduct a field trial for a prototype aflatoxin testing device. The search for a cheap and effective aflatoxin testing device is a priority in Africa and elsewhere given the major health hazard it poses for people and livestock.

Aflatoxin is a toxic byproduct created by the Aspergillus fungus known to cause cancer, immune-system suppression, growth retardation, liver disease and death in both humans and domestic animals. It can contaminate crops before or after harvest.

The goal of this short-term activity was to improve the functionality and design of the aflatoxin testing device to ensure its appropriateness for rural smallholder farmers. ASI analyzed the overall performance of the prototype on maize samples sourced from Kenya and generated user preference feedback on device design, aims and utility.

Project Approach
ASI leveraged its reputation and existing relationships with rural smallholder farmers in Kenya to convene 50 smallholder farmers to conduct a field trial of the proposed testing device. In additional to collecting first-hand opinions and feedback from the target recipients, ASI also tested the overall effectiveness of the device by comparing its results to control sample testing conducted by a Nairobi laboratory. 

Impact and Accomplishments
ASI’s ability to liaise directly with rural smallholder farmers in Kenya facilitated direct feedback to DFA on device functionality and assisted in further refining research toward developing an aflatoxin testing device that is effective and affordable for African smallholder farmers.

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