Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practices of maize farmers following post-intervention programs to mitigate aflatoxin contamination in Chamwino, Dodoma, Tanzania
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Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Urmia University
Abstract
Aflatoxin contamination poses a significant threat to agricultural systems and public health, particularly in regions such as
Dodoma, where favorable climatic conditions promote the growth of aflatoxin-producing fungi. Various interventions were
initiated to address the problem of aflatoxin contamination among maize farmers in Dodoma. This study aimed to assess
maize farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) following intervention programs designed to mitigate aflatoxin
contamination in Chamwino district, Dodoma. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in five wards of Chamwino District:
Chilonwa, Msanga, Chamwino, Majeleko, and Buigiri. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 300 maize
farmers to assess their KAP related to aflatoxin contamination. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, with significance
set at p ≤ 0.05. Among 300 farmers surveyed, 221 (73.7%) demonstrated awareness of aflatoxin-related interventions,
whereas 79 (26.3%) did not exhibit such awareness. Of the 221 informed farmers, 123 (55.7%) demonstrated good
knowledge, 51 (23.1%) exhibited medium knowledge, and 47 (21.3%) displayed poor knowledge regarding aflatoxin
contamination and its mitigation. Of the participants, 186 (84.2%) exhibited positive attitudes, 34 (15.4%) displayed
medium attitudes, and only 1 (0.5%) demonstrated poor attitudes. Of the participants, 157 (71.0%) exhibited good
practices, while 64 (29.0%) were categorized as having medium-level practices. No farmers demonstrated poor practices
regarding aflatoxin contamination and mitigation. The interventions effectively enhanced awareness, knowledge, attitudes,
and practices regarding aflatoxin mitigation among maize farmers in Chamwino District. Future interventions should
strengthen collaboration between government agencies, Non-Government Organizations, farmer groups, and local
communities to sustain and expand these gains.
Description
Food Safety and Packaging pp.187–207
Keywords
Aflatoxin, Farmers’ Knowledge, Farmers’ Attitudes, Farmers’ Practices, Intervention Programs, Tanzania
Citation
https://doi.org/10.30466/fsp.2025.56686.1020