Knowledge and Information Systems on Sorghum Amongst Sorghum Farmers in Nyanza, Eastern and Coastal Regions, Kenya
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Date
2023-02
Authors
Muui, Catherine
Muasya, Reuben
Kambura, Ann
Nguluu, Simon
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IISTE
Abstract
As climate change continues to impact negatively on crop productivity, hardy crops such as sorghum could end
severe food insecurity due to their potential to withstand adverse conditions. Farmers rely on localized
indigenous knowledge passed on by word of mouth, informal training systems and growing practices as farmers
interact. Though there are many stakeholders in sorghum production and its value chain, access to information
and knowledge by farmers is still limited especially in marginalized regions. To understand information and
knowledge management systems in sorghum production and how stakeholders interact a study was conducted in
Eastern, Nyanza and Coastal regions of Kenya using structured questionnaires. The results showed most farmers
were females. Majority had attained primary and secondary education, while 7.5% had no education. Farmer-tofarmer source of information on where to source seed was highest compared to agricultural extension officers
and media advertisement. 60% do not consult where to get seed, instead use on farm saved seeds. Majority use
traditional knowledge through experience compared to sources such as ministry of Agriculture, trainings and
fellow farmers. Farmer-to-farmer information network and market analysis was commonly used on where to sell
the grain. On-farm saved seed was selected based on size and color and about 60% conduct germination test on
the seed from whichever source before planting. Majority (82.5%) use on-farm saved seeds, manure/compost
and cultural methods to control pests. Of the respondents, 15% (eastern) and 7.5% (coastal) reported they have
no measures to respond to climate change. Majority use grain for human consumption and about 73.1% are not
members of any farmer group. Therefore, sensitization on benefits of sorghum crop, formation of more active
farmer groups, involvement of agricultural related stakeholders, provision of more support and capacity building
could enable them attain optimum agricultural productivity
Description
Article
Keywords
drought, food security, information, knowledge, sorghum, stakeholders
Citation
Muui, C., Muasya, R., Kambura, A., & Nguluu, S. (2023). Knowledge and information systems on sorghum amongst sorghum farmers in Nyanza, Eastern and Coastal Regions, Kenya. Knowledge and Information Systems, 14(4).