chemical contamination, etc. Therefore, a critical step in minimizing PHL is the understanding
of the infl uence of biological and environmental factors, as well as handling
practices on product deterioration and, of postharvest technologies and practices
that will slow down the process and maintain quality and safety of the product. Table
2.3 presents examples of the causes of postharvest losses for maize identifi ed by
surveyed (small, medium, and large) farmers in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in 2008.
Wh ile the causes of the PHL are manifold and can occur at any stage between
harvest and consumption, PHL can greatly be infl uenced by production conditions
(pre-harvest stages). For example, end-of-season drought and mechanical damage
to pods during pre-harvest are important factors contributing to afl atoxin contamination
and subsequent mold growth during postharvest stages