Is Aflatoxin Contamination of Staple Children’s Foods in Communities? An Underlying Factor in Child Stunting? A Question for Eastern Regions of Kenya.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine if aflatoxin was related to child stunting in the study areas of two counties in Eastern Kenya. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between aflatoxin and stunting in children 6 to 59 months. The study presents a question of aflatoxin as a contaminant of staple foods for children and therefore an “underlying factor” contributing to stunting outcome in children in affected study areas. A multi-stage field survey was carried out at county and household level.

Methodology: Data were collected at household level by research assistants using a smart phone which had geo-positioning that enabled data verification by supervisors. Food samples of local maize-flour and other cereals were collected and analyzed in the laboratory for aflatoxin contamination.  Data was analyzed using SPSS Version 21.  Analysis of factors that contribute to stunting raises an important question on the underlying possibility of aflatoxin.

Findings: Findings revealed a significant relationship was established between breastfeeding and stunting through ANOVA p/> 0.017 (t –value -2.810 and robust standard error of 0.5131 and coefficient value of -1.4411).  Aflatoxin levels from samples of maize grain, flour mixes and animal feed collected was 17.8% of toxicity above national and regional safe margin of 10ppb.

Unique contributor to theory, policy and practice: Key interventions including farmer education and sensitization as well as use of aflasafe in the soil to reduce aflatoxin in the region are recommended.