Policy Brief: Enhancing Food Safety in Kebbi State
DOWNLOADDecember 4, 2024 - Professor Obadina Adewale, Professor Lenis Saweda O. Liverpool-Tasie, Ms. Itohan Ebunoluwa Martins
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EmailThis policy brief evaluates food safety challenges in Kebbi State’s wholesale markets for fish, tomatoes, and green leafy vegetables (GLVs). Based on research conducted between July 2023 and February 2024 under the RSM2SNF project, the findings reveal gaps in infrastructure, hygiene practices, and public awareness.
Key Findings:
- Sanitation: While 77% of markets have functional toilets, trader-to-toilet ratios exceed 200, leading to unhygienic practices.
- Water Access: No markets have pipe-borne water; water sources include boreholes (32%), wells (41%), and jerricans (28%), with none being treated.
- Waste Disposal: Improper waste management creates contamination risks from pathogens like Salmonella and Vibrio cholerae.
- Awareness: No food safety posters, regulations, or training programs exist for traders.
Recommendations:
- Build modern toilets to reduce trader-to-toilet ratios.
- Treat borehole and well water within markets.
- Launch food safety training programs for traders and consumers.
- Integrate food safety education into school curricula.
- Employ and train more Environmental Health Officers to enforce standards.
- Enhance public-private partnerships for food safety efforts.
- Support research on innovative food safety technologies.
Conclusion:
Enhancing food safety in Kebbi State requires collaborative efforts to address infrastructure and hygiene gaps. Implementing these recommendations will reduce foodborne illnesses, protect public health, and boost the local economy.
