Maize quality in markets in four West African countries

• Published in: Journal of stored products research Vol. 69; pp. 26 - 30
• Main Authors: Baoua, I.B., Amadou, L., Bakoye, O.N., Abdoulaye, O., Baributsa, D., Murdock, L.L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2016
• Subjects: Aflatoxin; Infestation; Insect; Maize; Moisture content; West Africa; Maize; Infestation; Moisture content; Insect; West Africa; Aflatoxin
• ISSN: 0022-474X; 1879-1212
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jspr.2016.05.005

The quality of maize offered for sale in West African public markets was evaluated by analysing 281 samples collected in 24 markets in Benin, Togo, Ghana and Burkina Faso from February to March 2014. Grain moisture content ranged from 8.5 to 14.4 percent (wt/wt), while extraneous matter content ranged between 0.0 and 2.0% and the proportion of mouldy grains between 0.0 and 0.6%. Insect pest infestations were noted in about one-fourth of the samples with Sitophilus sp., Cryptolestes ferrugineus Stephens, Tribolium sp. and Prostephanus truncatus Horn found at densities varying between 0 and 2.4 individuals per 500 g of grain. Aflatoxin levels exceeding the accepted USA standard of 20 ppb were recorded in only 4.6% of the samples across the four countries. In most locations, grain moisture was within the acceptable range for aflatoxin- and insect-safe storage of maize using hermetic technology such as PICS bags. •Maize for sale in public markets in four West African countries was evaluated.•Moisture levels, aflatoxin content, extraneous matter and insects were assessed.•Most grain had acceptably low moisture levels, indicating good drying before sale.•About 1 in 20 samples had aflatoxin levels that exceeded the 20 ppb acceptable limit.•About one-fourth of the samples contained storage insect pests.