Ghana Peanut Value Chain Interventions

Using Applied Research and Technology to Minimize Aflatoxin Contamination and Increase Production, Quality and Marketing of Peanut in Ghana

Student Spotlight: Research measures how composting breaks down aflatoxin

Student Spotlight: From the ground to the processor, finding where aflatoxin appears

Student Spotlight: Assessing safety of Ghana's staple kulikuli, khebab powder

Visiting scientist conducts research on peanut pathogen at UGA Griffin

Research focus: Using peanuts and probiotics to help malnourished children

Jordan helping peanut farmers from North Carolina to Ghana

Recognized for their organization, Ghanaian farmers share lessons for better crop

Through the value chain project, researchers in the U.S. and Ghana work with plant breeders, farmers, processors and others to find and implement improvements that increase yield and quality of peanuts grown in the region, while discouraging aflatoxin contamination.

Improving production with pest-resistant cultivars, adequate soil fertility and plant nutrition, and synchronization of peanut growth with soil moisture can increase yield and quality and minimize aflatoxin contamination.

Adequate and timely drying of peanut minimizes the production of additional aflatoxin as the crop is stored prior to marketing. Effective processing can also reduce aflatoxin prior to purchase and consumption. By determining current practices by farmers, conducting research to mitigate aflatoxin and improve peanut quality, and transferring appropriate technology, researchers can increase productivity, profits, food safety and quality of peanuts.

Research into aflatoxin contamination in Ghana is taking place in nine villages in the northern and central parts of the country (Kpongu, Sillbelle-Sorbelle and Tamale in northern Ghana and Drobonso and Ejura in central Ghana near Kumasi) with 8-10 farmers in each village.

Research is conducted at two institutions associated with the Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) and at the Crops Research Institute (CRI) to develop appropriate production and pest-management strategies and to evaluate new germplasm suitable for the region.