CSIR-SARI Reaches Semifinals of Global Food Challenge with Innovation to Combat Aflatoxin in Groundnuts

CSIR-SARI Reaches Semifinals of Global Food Challenge with Innovation to Combat Aflatoxin in Groundnuts

Tamale, Ghana – The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) has been named a semifinalist in the prestigious Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge. The institute’s innovative project centers on developing a Near-Infrared (NIR) screening tool to identify aflatoxin-resistant groundnut varieties, offering a breakthrough in combating one of agriculture’s most persistent food safety threats.

The project leverages two naturally occurring antifungal compounds found in peanut seed coats—2,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde and ferulic acid—to screen for resistance to Aspergillus flavus, the fungus responsible for aflatoxin contamination.

“This technology has the potential to help smallholder farmers significantly reduce post-harvest losses caused by aflatoxins, which have long impacted both food safety and economic returns,” said Dr. Leslie Commey, Research Scientist at CSIR-SARI.

A Sustainable, Scalable Solution for African Farmers

The NIR-based tool represents a faster, more affordable, and sustainable alternative to traditional post-harvest control practices. It offers real-time, non-destructive analysis of groundnut samples and can rapidly screen large numbers of varieties for resistance to aflatoxin contamination—boosting productivity, profitability, and food safety.

“By identifying resistant germplasm early in the breeding process, we can improve yields and quality, increase market access—especially to international markets like Europe with strict aflatoxin limits—and strengthen rural economies,” Dr. Commey added.

The approach supports Ghanaian and Sub-Saharan African farmers, who often face aflatoxin-related trade restrictions and health risks, by enabling the adoption of certified, resistant groundnut varieties through an efficient breeding pipeline.

How the NIR Tool Works

The Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy tool uses light to analyze the chemical composition of samples without damaging them. A calibration model—built by correlating spectral data with lab-tested concentrations of target compounds using reference techniques like HPLC-MS—enables the rapid prediction of aflatoxin-resistant traits.

Key benefits of the NIR tool:

• Fast, non-destructive analysis
• No need for chemicals or solvents
• Low-cost, high-throughput screening
• Real-time data for informed decision-making
• Environmentally friendly and scalable

This technology significantly enhances efficiency in breeding programs, allowing scientists to screen thousands of groundnut lines quickly and at minimal cost.

Global Recognition and Opportunity

CSIR-SARI is among 36 organizations selected as semifinalists worldwide—including projects from Djibouti, Niger, Bangladesh, and Kenya. Winners will share $1 million in prize funding, including:

• Up to 8 Seed Grant awards of $25,000 each
• Up to 3 Growth Grant awards of $100,000 each
• Up to 2 Grand Prize winners receiving $250,000 each

All semifinalists will be included in the Seeding The Future Global Food System Innovation Database and Network, a peer-reviewed platform connecting projects with major organizations like the UN FAO, World Food Programme, philanthropies, and investors for further funding and collaboration.

“Our goal is to not only enhance food safety but to give farmers tools that will transform their livelihoods. With NIR technology, we’re one step closer to that future,” said Dr. Commey.

About CSIR-SARI
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) is a leading Ghanaian research institution dedicated to developing agricultural innovations tailored to the needs of farmers in the savannah zones of West Africa.