Aflatoxin prevention in post-harvest maize: A case study of maize storage facilities in Rwanda

Abstract

The Aflatoxin contamination of maize has been a major challenge to Rwandans due to health problems arises from it as well as the production losses. This study focused on providing an IoTbased solution that will be used to monitor three major parameters that facilitate the growth of aflatoxin in the stored maize namely: Temperature, Humidity, and Carbon dioxide concentration. Real-time information on the health of the stored maize and automatic controlling actions are the key components that will help us prevent aflatoxin in maize stores. A sample of good quality maize was monitored over some time by paying attention to three major atmospheric parameters which are Temperature, Humidity, and Carbon dioxide. In the end, it was shown that the quality of maize was maintained/unchanged under 23℃ to 35℃ Temperature range, between 40Rh-60 Rh of Relative Humidity, and at a carbon dioxide concentration level less than 50 ppm. This indicates that the good quality of the stored maize can be maintained for a long period once the abovementioned parameters are monitored in real-time with automatic controlling actions in place.