Mr. Peter Kibet Kirui
PhD Researcher (Biological Control Methods for Managing Mycotoxins) - Kenyatta University
Concentric
Mr. Peter Kibet Kirui

KALRO and IITA have developed Aflasafe KE, a safe and cost-effective solution to the problem of aflatoxin, which costs only around USD 8 per acre and can fetch a premium on growing markets.

Aflasafe offers a reliable and safe source of aflatoxin-free inputs from domestic supply chains, without relying on imports or risking highly contaminated lots. By implementing or supporting Aflasafe use in supply chains, companies can source sufficient aflatoxin-safe raw materials, and can benefit from the trade opportunities locally and in export markets for a wide range of processed goods. Currently, Aflasafe KE01 is treating between 30,000 and 40,000 acres of land, but the potential for its use is over 750,000 acres. To reach this potential, more effort needs to be put in to create awareness of Aflasafe amongst farmers and stakeholders in maize, sorghum, and groundnut value chains in Kenya, as well as developing business models and strategies for scaling it to vulnerable smallholder farmers, particularly women, and youth enterprises.

About the Project

Research Summary and Technology

Aflasafe KE is an innovation project in Kenya that aims to reduce aflatoxin contamination in maize, a staple food crop in Kenya and other parts of Africa. Aflatoxins are toxic compounds produced by a fungus called Aspergillus flavus, which can infect maize and other crops such as groundnuts, sorghum, and millet. Exposure to aflatoxins can lead to serious health problems, including liver cancer and stunted growth in children. The Aflasafe KE project involves the development and use of an aflatoxin bio-control product called Aflasafe KE01, which is made from a mixture of non-toxic strains of A. flavus that are effective at reducing aflatoxin contamination in maize. The product is applied to the crop before planting, and it works by competing with and displacing the toxic strains of A. flavus that produce aflatoxins. The project is being implemented by Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and other partners. The project aims to reduce aflatoxin contamination in maize and improve food safety, as well as increase maize yields and farmer incomes. The Aflasafe KE project is a research and development project which also involves farmers, processors, regulators and other stakeholders to ensure that the technology is adopted and reach its full potential.

Pitch Video
Images Mr. Peter Kibet Kirui's Innovation
Mr. Peter Kibet Kirui's Innovation

About the Researcher

Peter Kibet is an experienced manager and researcher in biological control products. His academic background is in Environmental Horticulture and Landscaping Technology from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, and he has a Master's degree in Agronomy from Kenyatta University. Peter began his career as a business developer at a private agricultural company, where he worked on the development of biological products for a variety of crops. Peter Kibet is committed to advancing the field of biological control and is dedicated to developing effective, sustainable, and affordable products for farmers. He is currently pursuing his PhD at Kenyatta University, where his focus research is on biological control methods for managing mycotoxins.

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