Sorghum as an Indigenous Drought Resistant Crop for Food Security in the North West Province of Cameroon

Abstract

The paper uses a participatory and case study approach to discuss the importance of sorghum as an indigenous drought resistant crop for food security in the North-West province of Cameroon. It was found that sorghum was experiencing a decline in production due to: the colonial introduction of exotic cash crops, limited cultivation land and tenure insecurity, lack of farming equipment and government financial support to small-scale farmers. It is recommended that the government develop policy strategies to promote the cultivation of indigenous food crops; support the interface between indigenous and modern knowledge systems to improve production; promote indigenous knowledge awareness among government extension officers; support small-scale sorghum farmers, especially women, with modern inputs and equipment, finance and research for information on sorghum production, post-harvest and marketing channels. This will assist them to improve productivity and sustainability of sorghum production.