PERCEPTIONS, PRACTICES, AND HEALTH RISK AWARENESS RELATED TO MOLD CONTAMINATION OF AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES AMONG HOUSEHOLDS IN JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Mold contamination of agricultural commodities poses a significant food safety and public health challenge in northern Nigeria, where climatic conditions and traditional post-harvest practices prevail. This study assessed household perceptions, practices, and health risk awareness related to mold contamination in Jigawa State, Nigeria, using a cross-sectional mixed-methods design. Quantitative data were collected from 400 households across agro-ecological zones, complemented by Focus Group Discussions, Key Informant Interviews, and observational assessments. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression. Results showed that most households identified mold contamination using visible indicators such as dark spots (78.0%), discoloration (71.0%), and unpleasant odor (64.0%), with limited recognition of invisible mycotoxin risks. Although moisture (81.5%) and climatic conditions (76.0%) were widely perceived as major causes of mold development, only 53.0% of households acknowledged poor post-harvest handling as a contributing factor. Logistic regression analysis revealed that insect infestation (OR = 2.31), traditional storage methods (OR = 2.48), poor post-harvest handling (OR = 2.05), and prolonged storage duration (OR = 1.89) significantly increased the likelihood of mold contamination (p < 0.01). While general awareness of mold existed, only 29.5% of households demonstrated good knowledge of associated health risks. Education level, income, gender, and household size were significantly associated with mold-related knowledge, and good knowledge reduced the odds of mold contamination by 52% (OR = 0.48). Qualitative evidence from focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and field observations showed that households relied mainly on visual indicators to detect mold, underestimated the health risks of invisible mycotoxins, and attributed contamination largely to uncontrollable climatic factors. Traditional storage practices, poor ventilation, inadequate drying, and insect infestation were commonly observed, reinforcing quantitative evidence that modifiable household behaviors and structural constraints play a major role in mold contamination. The study highlights substantial knowledge and practice gaps that sustain household exposure to mold and mycotoxins in Jigawa State, underscoring the need for targeted education, improved storage technologies, and strengthened extension and public health interventions.