Sorghum Production Challenges in Drought Areas of Siaya and Baringo Counties, Kenya
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Date
2022
Authors
Njinju, S. M
Gweyi, J
Mayoli, R.N
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal
Abstract
Sorghum bicolor (L.) is an important food in Sub-Saharan
Africa where drought is one of the major abiotic stresses
that limit its productivity. In Kenya production is low
despite having a rich diversity in Arid and Semi-Arid
Lands (ASALs). A cross section survey was conducted
between 12th and 21st January, 2021 with the objectives
of collecting different sorghum accessions, identifying
preferred traits, identifying production constraints and
finding out challenges faced by farmers in sorghum
production in Siaya and Baringo counties. The respondents
interviewed from the two counties included 43 sorghum
farmers who provided 48 sorghum accession. Results
from this study indicated that majority (80%) of farmers
acquired primary education, while 79% of farmers listed
sorghum as their first priority crop among maize, beans,
green grams, groundnuts, cassava and bananas due to
its drought tolerance, resistance to pests, less labour and
fertilizer requirements and its ability to ratoon. Most
respondents grew sorghum landraces from their own
saved seeds (46%), local market (21%) while less than
20% planted certified seeds. In addition, 90% of the
farmers in the two counties grew sorghum for food, sale
(72%) and fodder (23%). Consumers in these counties
preferred taste, good germination, early maturity, bird
resistance, colour (non-red) and drought tolerance while
farmers identified drought, pests (birds), diseases, striga
weed, marketing and low yields as the key constraints
in sorghum production. Evaluation of the collected
sorghum accession would help to identify suitable ones
for increased yields.
Description
Article
Keywords
Accessions, Drought, Sorghum traits, Production constraints
Citation
Njinju, S. M., Gweyi, J., & Mayoli, R. N. (2022). Sorghum Production Challenges in Drought Areas of Siaya and Baringo Counties, Kenya. East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal, 86(1-2), 8-8.