Maize is the mainstay of the diet for millions of people in eastern and southern Africa. Unfortunately, maize (corn) is often colonized by tiny fungi that produce toxins that stunt growth, reduce immunity to diseases and cause cancer. It should be possible to reduce toxin exposure by sorting out the toxic kernels of maize at the neighborhood maize mills where most people grind their maize before cooking it into stiff porridge (ugali or similar). Our initial prototype sorters work pretty well, but we want to improve them by working with local innovators and millers.
Simple grain sorting technologies for implementation at local maize mills
We will work together to test and improve simple grain sorting technologies to reduce mycotoxin exposure in eastern and southern Africa.
Written by Rebecca NELSON
EXPLAIN YOUR IDEA
Fungal toxins contaminate much of the food supply. Aflatoxin and fumonisin are carcinogenic and stunt growth, and are pervasive in the maize-based food system of eastern and southern Africa. Maize samples are highly heterogeneous, with most of the toxin being present in a few highly-contaminated kernels. Sorting grain based on density and spectral properties can allow people to reduce their exposure to mycotoxins. We have devised a couple of prototype grain sorters that use blowers to remove the lighter and more toxic grains. Initial tests in the US and Kenya have indicated potential, but we need to improve the design and performance and adapt a sorter to local hammer mills in Kenya and Tanzania.WHO BENEFITS?
People try to improve the safety and quality of their food by visual sorting, which works to some extent for some toxins. But it does not work well for aflatoxin, since the mold tends to grow inside the maize kernels. Simple sorting devices could improve the food safety for the millions of people who eat maize-based meals every day.
Millers could benefit from adding sorting technology to the value-addition options that they offer to their customers. The value here is food safety.
WHERE WILL YOUR IDEA BE IMPLEMENTED?
Kenya and TanzaniaARE YOU IMPLEMENTING IN AN ELIGIBLE COUNTRY?
- Yes
EXPERTISE IN SECTOR
- I’ve worked in a sector related to my idea for over a year
EXPERIENCE IN IMPLEMENTATION COUNTRY(IES)
- Yes, for more than one year.
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOU!
Rebecca Nelson, Cornell University. Francis Ngure and Samuel Mutiga, Biosciences eastern and central Africa and Cornell. Neema Kasim and Martin Kimanya, Nelson Mandela African Institute for Science and Technology.
Dr. Francis Ngure testing a prototype grain sorter at ILRI-BecA in Nairobi. This prototype was developed by John Fuchs of Ithaca, NY.
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