Event Information

Aflatoxin contamination poses serious risks to human health like liver cancer, child stunting, and immune suppression. A high prevalence of aflatoxins can also result in loss of export competitiveness and undermine the development of domestic markets for agro-processed goods. The East African region is particularly susceptible due to the prominence of staples in consumption baskets and among traded goods. The Rwandan government has taken exemplary steps towards aflatoxin risk management, including enhancing post-harvest management and introducing aflatoxin testing regulations for traders, retailers, and processors. However, there is still limited knowledge among agriculture value chain actors of the risks posed by aflatoxins or control methods.  Where control methods are known, these add costs that markets do not always incentivize due to lack of certification and information amongst consumers. In this event organized by IGC-Rwanda and Minagri, researchers will present recent research highlighting risk management strategies, technologies, and value chain interventions to combat aflatoxins in Rwanda.

Welcome remarks
Matieyedou Konlambigue
Country Representative, IITA Rwanda

Dr. Richard Newfarmer
Country Director for IGC Rwanda and Uganda

Keynote address
Hon. Dr. Chrystome Ngabitsinze, Minister of State for Agriculture.

Speakers
 Illuminée Kamaraba
Division Manager, Crop Post Harvest and Processing Management
Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board.
 
Matieyedou Konlambigue
Country Representative, IITA Rwanda.
 
Dr. Vivian Hoffman
Senior Research Fellow in the Markets, Trade, and Institutions Division
 
Dr. Tim Herrman
Professor, State Chemist, and Director
Office of the Texas State Chemist Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Closing remarks 
Ms. Chantal Ingabire,
Director-General for Planning, Minagri

Moderator
Dr. Lauren Falcao – Bergquist
Assistant Professor of Economics, Michigan State University