Background Aflatoxin contamination by Aspergillus section Flavi fungi poses a significant threat to food security and public health in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Maize, groundnut, and sorghum are staple crops frequently contaminated with aflatoxins, sometimes at dangerous levels. Despite its detrimental effects, many farmers in SSA lack access to effective tools for mitigating aflatoxin contamination. Biocontrol based on atoxigenic isolates of A. flavus is an effective tool to limit aflatoxin contamination. Methods The development, testing, registration, and commercial use of the aflatoxin biocontrol product Aflasafe BF01 for use in Burkina Faso is described. In addition, the deployment of the biocontrol technology across Mali, Niger, and Togo is documented, and for the first time, the use of aflatoxin biocontrol in sorghum is reported. Results In all four countries, treated crops had significantly (P < 0.05) less aflatoxins than crops from untreated fields. Most treated crops met the stringent tolerance threshold for human consumption, 4 ppb total aflatoxin. Using native atoxigenic isolates of A. flavus and employing a multi-disciplinary approach, aflatoxin biocontrol products have demonstrated significant success in reducing aflatoxin levels in treated crops compared to untreated ones. Conclusions This multi-year, multi-funded source study underscores the effectiveness of biocontrol strategies in mitigating aflatoxin contamination at scale, offering a regional approach for sustainable management in West Africa and potentially unlocking significant health and economic benefits for the region.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s43170-024-00313-3

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Ibnou Dienghttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-1051-9143

Titilayo Faladehttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-5562-7861

Ranajit Bandyopadhyayhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-2422-4298

Alejandro Ortega-Beltranhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-3747-8094

https://doi.org/10.1186/s43170-024-00313-3

Plant Production and Health

Aflatoxin; Agronomy; Disease Control; Food Security; Grain Legumes; Maize; Plant Breeding; Plant Diseases; Plant Health; Smallholder Farmers

Aflatoxins; Biological Control; West Africa; Smallholder Farmers; Grain Legumes

Africa; West Africa

Burkina Faso (Upper Volta); Mali; Niger; Togo

Central Africa Hub; Headquarters and Western Africa Hub

CABI Agriculture and Bioscience