However, the loss of actual grain is not the only concern; the
economic losses that arise from the failure to market grain or
to sell in a higher-value market may be even more significant.
These result from the poor functioning of value chains due to
inadequate transport linkages, lack of market infrastructure
and information, lack of credit, and failure to deliver at the
required quality. Quality issues are a major barrier to market
access, both regionally and internationally. In cereal grains,
aflatoxin contamination is an increasingly important food
safety issue—especially on maize—which poses a serious
health hazard to consumers (see Annex 2, Project 24).