Empowering farmers to save every grain: IITA trains extension agents on management of post-harvest losses and aflatoxin control in maize

In a renewed effort to combat post-harvest losses and ensure safe food systems, IITA-CGIAR, and the TAAT Clearinghouse in collaboration with SASAKAWA Africa Association, has trained extension agents and maize lead farmers on improved post-harvest handling, grain quality, and aflatoxin management.

The two-day workshop, held on 9–10 October 2025, at the Agricultural Development Program (ADP) office in Lafia, Nasarawa state, brought together field officers, researchers, farmers, and development partners to strengthen their capacity in adequate storage and grain quality management.

Speaking during a presentation, Reuben Solomon, a senior research support officer and post-harvest specialist at IITA Kano, emphasized that post-harvest losses remain a significant bottleneck in Africa’s food value chain. “We invest heavily in production, but much is lost between the farm and the table,” he said, adding that technologies like hermetic storage and biological control can change that narrative.

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