Pre and post-harvest management practices of groundnut and their implication to aflatoxin management in Tigray, Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, groundnut is the second most important lowland oilseed after sesame, and has become an important high value crop grown in the dryland areas of the Tigray region, Northern Ethiopia. However its production is considerably low and its marketing is challenged by aflatoxin contamination. This study assessed pre and post-harvest management practices of groundnut in Tanqa-Abergele district, central zone of Tigray, Ethiopia and thier implication on aflatoxin management. A cross-sectional survey of 165 respondents and six key informants was conducted. Results showed that delayed harvesting, irrigation during harvesting and inadquate use of improved and disease resistant/ tolerant varieties were the common practices by groundnut farmers. These practices intensify moulding and subsequent aflatoxin contamination of the pods. Most farmers (65% ) did not use proper drying, cleaning, storage and shelling methods leading to increased aflatoxin contamination. Promoting and distribution of improved varieties, training of farmers on the pre and post harvest management practices with regard to aflatoxins and create awareness on health risks to human and animals is paramount to improved groundnut production in Tigray region.