Breaking the Mold: How Mycotoxins Impact Agriculture, Nutrition and Development
Event Information
Mycotoxins are toxic by-products of naturally occurring fungi that have serious health implications in humans and livestock. Found on grains, fruits and vegetables, acute and long-term exposure is associated with childhood stunting, reduced nutrient absorption, organ failure and cancer. Because contamination begins in the field and propagates at various points during harvest, processing and storage, effective prevention requires a multidisciplinary approach and cross-sectoral solutions.
This month’s seminar was an interactive discussion, providing participants with ample time to ask questions. This was an excellent opportunity for agronomists, nutritionists, sociologists and field staff to share their background and experiences. The dialogue began with a discussion of the science behind mycotoxins and their health impacts and shifted towards integrating mycotoxin responses into agricultural development programming.
Speakers
Felicia Wu
Michigan State University
John Leslie
Kansas State University
John Bowman
USAID Bureau for Food Security