The Impact of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Policies on Aflatoxin Reduction

Abstract

Aflatoxins, toxic metabolites produced by Aspergillus fungi, pose significant health and economic challenges in agricultural systems, particularly in developing countries. Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) policies provide structured guidelines to mitigate aflatoxin contamination through improved farming, storage, and post-harvest handling techniques. This review examines the effectiveness of GAP policies in reducing aflatoxin levels in crops such as maize, peanuts, and tree nuts. Evidence suggests that GAP interventions, including proper soil management, timely harvesting, and adequate storage, significantly lower aflatoxin contamination. However, challenges such as limited farmer awareness, resource constraints, and inconsistent policy enforcement hinder widespread adoption. This article highlights the need for integrated approaches combining GAP with education, technology, and regulatory support to maximize aflatoxin reduction.