IITA Trains Nigerian Extension Officers on Reducing Maize Losses

News in Brief:

-IITA trained farmers and extension officers in Nasarawa State on reducing post-harvest maize losses.

-The workshop focused on improving grain quality, safe storage, and aflatoxin control through innovations and better handling practices.

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) conducted a training exercise in Nigeria on reducing maize losses. Hosted in collaboration with TAAT Clearinghouse and SASAKAWA Africa Association, the workshop lasted for two days, between 9 and 10 October 2025.

It focused on how to improve post-harvest handling, grain quality, and aflatoxin management. Maize, a key crop in Nigeria’s food system, faces production challenges that prevent farmers from earning enough income.

The training brought together field officers, researchers, farmers, and development partners at the Agricultural Development Program (ADP) office in Lafia, Nasarawa state.

Storage Technology and Plant-Friendly Pesticides

Reuben Solomon, a senior research support officer and post-harvest specialist at IITA Kano, exposed the dangers of post-harvest losses in Africa’s food value chain. 

“We invest heavily in production, but much is lost between the farm and the table,” he said. 

He proposed some solutions like the hermetic storage, which involves using sealed, airtight containers like bags, silos, or jars to store grain, creating a modified atmosphere that reduces oxygen and increases carbon dioxide. 

He also mentioned that biological control methods to combat pests can change the current narrative. He suggested the IITA-developed biocontrol product, Aflasafe, to protect crops from aflatoxin contamination. Also, he mentioned the non-toxic insecticide, Diatomaceous Earth, which kills pests by abrading their exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate

Solomon said that African farmers lose about 20% and 30% of their harvest as soon as their produce leaves the farm. He demonstrated safe drying, sorting, and storage techniques that can reduce losses.

Better Handling and Sensitisation

Gregory Nwaoliwe,  a food nutritionist at IITA Ibadan, also explained that maintaining grain quality begins in the field. He explained that farmers have to harvest their grains promptly, dry them appropriately and store them in clean, airtight containers to maintain both nutritional value and market quality.

The extension agents stated that they gained insightful and practical lessons from the workshop, and they were going back to their farming communities to share the knowledge.

Dr Adeoti Razack, a TAAT Consultant with IITA Benin, urged for wider farmers’ sensitisation. He called on stakeholders to incentivise the adoption of innovative post-harvest technologies in Nigeria’s maize sector to promote food safety.