Formative Research Report: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices related to Food Safety

The study aimed to assess KAP related to foodborne illnesses and food safety, including aflatoxins and rodent contamination, as well as agricultural practices that lead to them. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining a nationwide mobile phone-based data collection, a representative household survey in 16 project districts, and a qualitative research component in the form of in-depth interviews (IDIs) and household observations. Key informants for the agricultural sector included agricultural extension agents, market leaders, and community leaders. Producers included households where 50% of participants produced agricultural products for household consumption and 50% produced agricultural products for sale. Findings from the mobile and household survey samples indicate low risk perception for consuming moldy foodstuffs, gaps in knowledge on how mold develops, and among the mobile phone-based survey respondents in mainly urban/peri-urban areas, gaps in skills on how to check for mold or insect or rodent contamination when purchasing grains. The study also found that producers in Malawi face challenges in accessing information on food safety, and that there is a need for targeted interventions to improve food safety practices. The study identified several key factors that contribute to food safety concerns in Malawi, including inadequate storage facilities, lack of knowledge on food handling and preparation, and limited access to safe food sources. The research also highlighted the importance of involving key stakeholders in the agricultural sector in food safety initiatives, including agricultural extension agents, market leaders, and community leaders. The HC4L project's findings have implications for the development of targeted interventions to improve food safety practices in Malawi. The study's recommendations include the need for education and awareness-raising campaigns on food safety, the development of guidelines for safe food handling and preparation, and the establishment of a food safety monitoring system to track and respond to food safety concerns. The study's findings also have implications for the broader context of food safety in Malawi. The research highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to food safety that involves multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. The study's recommendations include the need for policy and regulatory frameworks that support food safety, the development of infrastructure and resources to support food safety initiatives, and the establishment of a national food safety strategy. Overall, the HC4L project's formative research report provides valuable insights into the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to food safety in Malawi. The study's findings have implications for the development of targeted interventions to improve food safety practices and contribute to the broader context of food safety in Malawi.