Sorghum Farmers Research Articles

Enhancing Seed Access and Climate Resilience: A Farmer-Based Seed Multiplication Scheme in a Legume-Sorghum Double Cropping System in Mieso District Ethiopia

Sorghum is a major food security crop in Ethiopia. Sorghum landraces are particularly crucial in crop-livestock mixed farming systems in drylands, but due to the longer growing periods (6-8 months) needed for the landraces, the crop faces recurrent drought events associated with delayed rain, dry spells, and drought during critical stages. The landraces are normally grown combining a short and erratic rainy season (March to May) and a main rainy season (July to September). To address such circumstances, early-maturing improved sorghum varieties that are planted in July and mature within 3-4 months have been developed. Moreover, a sustainable cropping system involving legume-early maturing sorghum double cropping has been developed as an alternative to the traditional long-cycle sorghum production to help mitigate crop failure. The legume fits into the short rainy months. However, access to seeds of both component crops could be a challenge. The objective of this study therefore was to establish and assess the feasibility of a farmer-based seed multiplication (FBSM) scheme in enhancing the supply of quality seeds of legumes and sorghum and contributing to climate adaptation. Two activities were implemented in 2015 and 2016 in Mieso district, West Hararghe, Ethiopia. The first activity involved multiplying seeds of two early-maturing and drought-tolerant improved sorghum varieties (Dekeba and Melkam) using a FBSM scheme. The second activity was integrating this scheme into a legume-early maturing sorghum double cropping system. The results of the study show that the FBSM scheme provides much-needed support to smallholder sorghum farmers by offering resources for multiplying and marketing improved sorghum seeds, ensuring seed security, and improving access to quality seeds. The scheme aligns well with the legume-early maturing sorghum double cropping system, thereby enhancing access to compatible seeds and promoting a sustainable cropping system in the region. The scheme presents a viable solution to seed access for smallholder farmers in Ethiopia to enhance seed supply, income, and climate resilience, offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders

Reducing vulnerability to climate change among millet and sorghum farmers in Ghana: interrogating the contribution of climate-smart agriculture in northwestern Ghana

Reducing vulnerability of smallholder farmers to climate change is a global issue. One approach viewed as important in reducing farmers’ vulnerability to climate change is Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA). CSA is often seen as an approach to redefine, reposition and sustainably manage agriculture. Given the importance of CSA practices in sustaining the food needs of many farm households in sub-Saharan Africa and Ghana, this study investigates CSA practices that were introduced to farmers by Center for Indigenous Knowledge and Development (CIKOD), interrogates the contributions of CSA to reducing farmers vulnerability to climate change and established the relationship between CSA and climate change adaptation. The study employed a mixed method approach, using 146 smallholder millet and sorghum farmers. Questionnaire and interviews were used to generate primary data for analysis. Descriptive statistics, involving Chi-square test and relative importance index were used to analyze the questionnaire while thematic analytical approach was used to analyze the interviews. The results of the study revealed that CSA practices such as crop rotation, weed control, contour farming, and land rotation are deployed by smallholder farmers to respond to drought, dry spell and flood in the Municipality. Asset holding capacity, credit, access to climate information, and extension services were found to be key determinants of farmers’ adoption of CSA practices. The study recommends the need for the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to provide some technical support to smallholder farmers to successfully adopt these practices for sustainable farming. Again, the study recommends the need for non-governmental organizations and development partners, which over the years have shown interest in promoting CSA practices among farmers, to continuous to support and promote the adoption of CSA by farmers.

The Biology, Epidemiology, Host Variability and Management of Sorghum Smut Diseases in Nigeria: A Review

Sorghum Smut diseases in Nigeria are widely circulated and are economically important in most of the regions of the country growing Sorghum. Perhaps, all the four types of smut can co-exist on the same field and are co-extensive with sorghum cultivation. The four smut diseases are incited by four species belonging to two genera of the order ustilaginales, namely; Sporisorium or Sphacelotheca and Tolyposporium. The distribution of the four smut diseases depend on several interacting factors of epidemiology and pathogenesis. It has been reported that all the four species that causes smuts in sorghum have narrow host range. As a consequence therefore, they do not vary remarkably in their biology and pathogenesis. However, their severity, distribution and prevalence depend on the environmental conditions, seasons and variety of sorghum. Several control as well as management strategies have been suggested by workers for the prevention and control of sorghum smuts including the pre-sowing seed treatment using fungicides, the use of resistant plant variety and modification of cultural and handling practices. However, only few of these measures have been found suitable and promising. Moreover, there is scarce of scientific information on the incidence of sorghum smuts probably because they were thought to have been eradicated or that they are economically less important in most sorghum growing areas in Nigeria. But with the current climatic changes coupled with the negligence from the poor resource sorghum farmers, sorghum smut diseases are re-emerging with high threshold as such they are becoming very important in Nigeria’s sorghum growing regions. This paper reviews the epidemiology, biology and variability of smut pathogens and their possible control strategies.

Empowering Smallholder Sorghum Farmers for Resilience: Lessons from a Community-Based Seed Multiplication Scheme in West Hararghe, Ethiopia

Sorghum is a vital crop for food security in Ethiopia. Sorghum landraces are particularly crucial in crop-livestock mixed farming, however, the extended growing periods (6-8 months) required for these landraces make the crop vulnerable to recurrent drought events associated with delayed rain, dry spells, and drought during critical stages. The landraces are usually planted in March or April depending on the onset of rainfall and harvested around November but often fail due to drought. In such situations, early-maturing improved varieties are an option for farmers but access to seeds of these improved varieties is a challenge. Unlike the landraces, the improved early maturing varieties are planted around the first weeks of July and harvested in November. The formal seed system multiplies only a limited amount of improved sorghum seed, which is rarely available to smallholder sorghum growers, mostly as part of a government package for targeted programs. Therefore, a community-based seed multiplication (CBSM) scheme was introduced to address seed shortages among smallholder sorghum farmers. After a successful experiment in 2015 aimed at enhancing seed multiplication by smallholder sorghum farmers, the process was further implemented on a larger scale using the CBSM scheme. Between 2016 and 2017, three CBSM farmer groups consisting of a total of 56 participants were established in three districts of West Hararghe, Ethiopia. Seeds of two early-maturing and drought-tolerant improved sorghum varieties (Dekeba and Melkam) were multiplied on a total area of 49.58 hectares, resulting in 215.6 tons of certified seeds. The study's findings indicate that the CBSM scheme enhanced smallholder farmers' sorghum yields, incomes, and climate resilience by providing high-quality seeds, expanding access to improved seeds, improving crop quality, and empowering communities to manage seed distribution. Partnerships with local organizations and government agencies were vital for success, allowing the scheme to reach more farmers in different regions. The scheme proved successful for smallholder sorghum growers in Ethiopia's dry lowlands, offering lessons applicable to similar challenges elsewhere, and promoting sustainable solutions for smallholder farmers.

Diversity of Pest Types and Natural Enemies in Plantations Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L)

The types of pests that attack sorghum plants are very diverse, ranging from the germination phase to harvest. This is the main obstacle in efforts to increase sorghum production. These pests have different behaviors, morphologies, and ecobiologies. The aim of this research is to identify all types of pests and natural enemies that disturb sorghum plants. This research was conducted on sorghum farming land in Pantai Gemi village, Stabat subdistrict, Langkat district, Medan, from March to July 2022. Morphological identification was carried out using the sweeping net method, yellow sticky traps, and pitfall traps. The results of the research showed that there were 126 weaver ants. (Oecophlla Smaragdina ), 83 black ants ( Dolichoderus thoracicus ), and some of the pests that were caught and the least were 14 seed flies ( Atrigona soccata ) and 12 dragonflies ( Trithemis arteriosa). is the type of pest that most often attacks sorghum plants. By identifying pests and natural enemies, it is hoped that we can control pests effectively and integratedly in sorghum cultivation.

Local sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) on‐farm genetic diversity status and possible determinants from Wollo lowland areas, northeastern Ethiopia

AbstractVarious agricultural crops are the world's sources of food, fodder, and energy. However, conservation management and diversification constraints remain a challenge. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the status of local agricultural sorghum genetic diversity and potential determinants of the Wollo lowlands in northeastern Ethiopia. The greatest extent of local sorghum abundance was demonstrated in the study areas with the highest value being 4.25 DMg and 2.89 DMn in Werebabo district. However, 2.97 DMg and 2.04 DMn were recorded as the relatively lowest indices in Tehuledere province. In fact, the extent and type of diversity, measured by the number of varieties per farm, varied from region to region. Farmer perceived constraints such as late maturity, blending fluency, distance to nearest market (km), small land ownership, end‐use quality, and plume size attributed to these deviations. The priority of the constraints was first determined by ranking the constraints based on the answers received from the respondents and then calculating the rank‐based quotient. Several categorical variables of these constraints also showed a significant association with the status of local farm sorghum genetic diversity at p < 0.05 and p < 0.001. In general, the status of genetic diversity of local sorghum farms was low in all the provinces studied. Therefore, the seed exchange network between local farmers should be encouraged to use and conserve diversity on a daily basis. Community seed banks should also be established to enhance the conservation of beneficial local sorghum germplasm and maximize locally adapted sorghum landrace profiles.

Sorghum farmers’ perceptions of climate change, its effects, temperature and precipitation trends, and determinants of adaptation strategies in the central plateau zone of Rwanda

Sorghum farmers’ perceptions of climate change, its effects, temperature and precipitation trends, and determinants of adaptation strategies in the central plateau zone of Rwanda

Impact of Joint Adoption of Climate-Smart Agricultural Technologies on Sorghum Farmers’ Performance in Mali

Impact of Joint Adoption of Climate-Smart Agricultural Technologies on Sorghum Farmers’ Performance in Mali

Comparative Analysis of Resource Use Efficiency of Cereal Crop Enterprises in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State

This study examines the resource use efficiency in cereal crop enterprise production in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State. The two cereal crops selected were Millet enterprise and sorghum enterprise. Data for the study was collected from 80 Millet farmers and 80 sorghum farmers randomly selected in five villages. The data collection was from October to December 2022 cropping season. Production function analysis which incorporates the conventional neoclassical test of economic and technical efficiencies was used as the analytical technique. Profitability analysis was also used to determine the profitable enterprise. Findings revealed that for Sorghum production fertilizer input was optimally utilized by the farmers while other inputs seeds, labor, and farm size were overused. On the other hand in Millet production, all the inputs seed, labor, fertilizer, and farm size were over-utilized. The profitability analysis revealed that the Sorghum enterprise was the most profitable with a mean net farm income value of ₦138,000 per hectare while Millet had a net farm income of ₦63,000/ha. The results show that there is a need for farmers to be advised on the appropriate allocation of resources to boost efficiency and output. This would mean using less seed input, labor, and farm size for Sorghum production, while for Millet production less of all the inputs should be used.

Regional efficiency and total factor productivity change for small and medium sorghum producers in Zambia: A slacks-based measure and Malmquist index approach

Zambia's efforts to promote countrywide production of sorghum is backed by a number of apropos factors. It is not only an adaptive response to the climate change challenge, but also a dietary diversity improvement measure, to achieve food and nutrition security. Further, improved sorghum production will supply emerging agro-industries, especially specialty foods, beverages and stock feed manufacturing in the country. However, regional sorghum production efficiencies in Zambia are not well known. This paper attempts to evaluate regional sorghum production technical efficiencies (TE), as well as Total Factor Productivity (TFP) change from 2011 to 2022. To study these aspects, we apply non-parametric Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) techniques such as the Slacks-Based Measure (SBM), and the Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI), followed by bootstrap OLS regression respectively. Cross-sectional estimates from the SBM model for the 2022 cropping season indicate that average TE for small and medium sorghum farmers in Zambia was 85 percent. Sorghum production could be expanded by 411.90 t by improving TE in five of ten provinces in Zambia. The MPI shows that TFP for sorghum production in Zambia declined by 21 percent, mainly due to deteriorating sorghum production technology. Populations, rurality, agro-ecological zone IIB are the factors associated with EC and TFP decline.

Feasibility Analysis of Sorgum Farming in Patihan Village, Babat District, Lamongan District, East Java Province

Indonesia's current food position still depends on rice. This is related to the level of food security. To support food security, this can be done by promoting the cultivation of sorghum. Sorghum can be a rice substitute product. Sorghum has long been cultivated in Indonesia, and there are several areas where it is planted, namely Patihan Village, Tripe District, Lamongan Regency. In 2016-2017, there was an increase in sorghum productivity in Patihan Village by 7 tonnes/ha. But in 2018-2020 there was a decrease in sorghum productivity which reached 0 tons/ha. The decline in sorghum productivity can affect farmers' income. The decline in the level of productivity of sorghum is inseparable from the existence of problems. The purpose of this research is to analyze the feasibility of sorghum farming in Patihan Village, Tripe District, Lamongan Regency, and to analyze the problems in sorghum farming. The analytical method used is the R/C Ratio and qualitative descriptive. The results showed that the R/C Ratio value was 0.26, meaning that sorghum farming in Patihan Village, Babat District, Lamongan Regency in 2021 is not feasible. The problem faced by sorghum farmers in sorghum farming is the existence of rat pests that cannot be controlled, resulting in crop failure and losses

Strategi Pengembangan Usahatani Sorgum pada Lahan Kering di Kabupaten Sumba Timur

It is hoped that the development of a new production center for sorghum commodities, especially in East Sumba Regency, can increase sorghum production and supply sorghum needs nationally in order to face the world food crisis. To achieve this, it is important to be able to formulate the right strategy for developing sorghum in East Sumba Regency which has dry land conditions. The aim of this research is to analyze the internal and external environment of sorghum farming in East Sumba Regency and to determine priority strategies for developing sorghum farming in East Sumba Regency. This research is a qualitative research with analytical descriptive analysis conducted in July - December 2023 in East Sumba Regency. Respondents in this research were key informants who were determined using a purposive sampling technique. Data collection was carried out by means of field observations, Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and in-depth interviews according to research problems with key informants. The analytical methods used in this research are SWOT analysis and QSPM. The results of the SWOT matrix analysis show that there are 6 alternative strategy formulations that can be applied to the development of sorghum farming in East Sumba. Meanwhile, the results of the QSPM analysis show that the first priority alternative strategy that can be applied by farmers in developing sorghum farming on dry land in East Sumba is optimizing land use to increase production.

Pelatihan Dan Pemberdayaan Penyuluh Petani Di Kecamatan Suwawa Timur Da-lam Analisis Usahatani Sorghum

Sorghum is an extraordinary commodity because of its waste-free characteristics. Almost all parts of the plant can be used, including leaves, fruit stems, and wilt. Unfortunately, the personnel at the East Suwawa BPP partners and the farmers they support still lack experience in sorghum farming, especially in profit analysis. This is an obstacle in spreading sorghum as an agricultural potential, because extension workers have difficulty providing farmers with an understanding of the benefits of sorghum farming. Therefore, knowledge is needed in carrying out farming analysis, as well as organizing human resources in farmer groups so that they can produce maximum quality and quantity. Through this knowledge and ability, it is hoped that partners can further optimize the dissemination of sorghum farming to the farmers they support so that they can produce sustainably. The methods used in this service activity are training and mentoring. For training activities, farming business analysis and farmer group management were carried out for one day, where the implementing team facilitated training to partners, namely BPP East Suwawa. After the training activities, students in the implementing team provided regular assistance for two weeks to optimize the results obtained in the training. The results of the activity showed that the activity participants were very enthusiastic during the mentoring activity, and gave positive responses, so that activities like this could be routine, especially in assisting with sorghum farming analysis. Keywords: farming analysis; sorghum; training; mentoring

Evaluating the impact of climate-smart agriculture practices on yield among smallholder maize and sorghum farmers in northern Ghana

This study evaluates the impact of climate-smart agricultural practices (CSAP) on yield and income among smallholder farmers in Northern Ghana. Understanding the impact of CSAPs on maize and sorghum yield and income is crucial for enhancing agricultural productivity, boosting the region’s economy, and ensuring food security. Data were collected through questionnaires from 1000 farmers. Multinomial endogenous treatment effects were used to examine the impact of CSAP adoption on the yield and income of maize and sorghum farmers. The study reveals that climate-smart agriculturepractices like chemical fertiliser conservation agriculture, intercropping, and joint adoption significantly improve maize and sorghum yields and farmers’ incomes. This is worrying given the effects of excessive reliance on chemical fertiliserson soil and environment. The government’s active investment in research, capacity building, and infrastructure development to facilitate the widespread adoption of these practices in Northern Ghana is highly recommended.

Disability and labour market participation among smallholder farmers in Western Kenya.

Despite the importance of labour market participation and the high number of people with disabilities in rural Africa who rely on subsistence agriculture to survive, very few studies have documented labour market outcomes among farmers with and without disabilities in Africa. We examined how labour market participation differed by disability and other factors among smallholder farmers in Western Kenya. We use cross-sectional data collected between January and April 2022 from sorghum farmers enrolled in a trial evaluating the impact of a programme designed to improve labour market participation among sorghum farmers in rural Western Kenya. Disability and Labour market outcomes were assessed using questions from the Washington Group /ILO Labor Force Survey Disability Module the ILO Labour Force Survey module respectively. Univariate and multiple regression analyses were conducted to identify socio-demographic characteristics and other related factors associated with labour market participation. Among 4459 participants, disability was reported by 20.3% of women and 12.3% of men. Labour market participation was reported by 77.1% and 81.3% of women and men, respectively. Adjusting for demographic confounders, having a disability was associated with a lower likelihood of labour market participation (odds ratio 0.59, 95% confidence interval, 0.42-0.83, P = 0.001). These findings were similar in a modified model that looked at functional difficulties separately from anxiety and depression. Women, older participants, and those who were dependent on others were also more likely not to report participation in the labour market. Increased recognition and understanding of functional limitations among smallholder farmers is vital for the success of economic empowerment programmes aimed at increasing labour market participation among the most vulnerable populations.

Improvement of cultivation techniques to increase sorghum productivity in Ende Regency, Indonesia

The sorghum crop has the potential to be developed in Ende Regency because it has wide adaptability and is tolerant to drought. Through proper processing, this commodity can be used as an alternative food for the people of NTT. Sorghum contains fibre that the body needs. Contains carbohydrates, nutrients, protein and vitamins. The main problem is the low productivity and income of sorghum farmers. This is because the cultivation technology is still conventional. Empowerment method used; counselling, training and mentoring. Technological improvements include tillage by ploughing once or twice and making beds. Overlapping sorghum with peanuts. The varieties used are Numbu, Suri 4, Super 1, Super 2, Soper 7 and Soper 9. Spacing Legowo 2: 1 where 2 rows of sorghum, 1 row of peanuts. Embroidery is done if the sorghum seeds do not grow. Fertilizers used, organic and inorganic, weeding at the age of 10-15 days, the second weeding together with the hilling, after the second fertilization. Pest control is carried out effectively. The application of cultivation technology affects increasing the productivity of sorghum.

Determinants of Participation in Contract Farming among Smallholder Sorghum Farmers in Bondo Sub-County

Aims: This paper analyzed the socioeconomic and institution factors influencing participation in sorghum contract farming by smallholder farmers in Bondo, siaya county, Kenya. The study results are anticipated to encourage smallholder farmers to participate in sorghum commercialization rather than producing for subsistence. Study Design: The study applied quantitative research design to determine factors that influences participation in sorghum contract farming by smallholder farmers. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Bondo Siaya county Kenya. Targeted group were smallholder farmers producing sorghum either as contracted or non-contracted. The data was collected on sorghum production during 2020/2021 production year. Methodology: A multistage sampling technique was used to sample 135 non-contracted and 105 contracted smallholder sorghum farmers for the study. The data was collected using semi-structured questionnaire which was pretest prior to actual data collection. Data collected was analyzed using t-statistics and chi-squire for the descriptive statistics. While econometric analysis applied logistic regression model to determine factors influencing smallholder farmers’ participation in sorghum contract farming. Results: Findings revealed that post-primary education level (\(\beta\) = 0.215; P = 0.04) , age (\(\beta\) = 0.005; P = 0.00) , gender (\(\beta\) = 0.144; P = 0.02) , number of active household members (\(\beta\) = 0.090; P = 0.03) , group membership(\(\beta\) = 0.188; P = 0.00) , distance to the nearest main road in walking minutes (\(\beta\) = 0.021; P = 0.00) , ownership of bicycle (\(\beta\) = 0.210; P = 0.00) and ownership of oxen (\(\beta\) = 0.238; P = 0.00) positively influence participation in sorghum contract farming. In contrarily, distance to the nearest extension agent office negatively influence participation in sorghum contract farming (\(\beta\) = 0.004; P = 0.01) . Conclusion: The results suggest the need to increase access to extension services, implement policies for empowering women and youths to engage in contract farming, sensitize farmers to form groups to enhance working collectively to acquire input and output market. National and county governments should invest in physical infrastructure, such as roads, to improve access to agricultural information on new interventions.

Efisiensi Alokatif Usahatani Sorgum Di Desa Ondorea Barat Kabupaten Ende

Sorghum plants have the potential to be developed in Ende Regency, this commodity has been passed down from generation to generation and has become an alternative food to replace rice, but its productivity is still relatively low. Research objectives (1) to find out whether sorghum farming has achieved efficiency both technically and allocatively (2) to find out the factors that influence the technical efficiency of sorghum farming. The sample method uses simple random sampling, the sample size is 92 farmers. Data analysis, stochastic frontier production function. Sorghum farming is said to be allocatively efficient if the marginal product value (NPM) of production factors is the same as the price. Factors that influence production, seeds, land area and labor. Maximum technical efficiency value 0.92, minimum 0.70. Average technical efficiency 0.83. NPMx/Px for seeds, land area and labor < 1, the conclusion is that these three variables are not allocatively efficient. Factors that influence technical efficiency are age, farming experience, formal education dummy, farmer group membership and family size.

Sustainable intensification technologies and farm performance: evidence from smallholder sorghum farmers in Nigeria

ABSTRACTThe empirical literature on plot-level adoption of sustainable intensification technologies (SITs), as a package comprising improved crop varieties and good agronomic management practices is thin for dryland crops, such as sorghum. In this paper, we analyze the adoption and impacts of SITs on sorghum yield and net revenue using data from a sample of 1680 households and 3310 plots in the sorghum belt of Nigeria. Our estimates are based on a multinomial endogenous switching regression, which accounts for observable and unobservable sources of selection bias. We find a relatively low joint adoption of both improved sorghum varieties and good agronomic practices. In addition, we find that the adoption of only improved sorghum varieties and the joint adoption of both improved sorghum varieties and good agronomic practices led to a 56 and 102% increase in sorghum yield, respectively, and an 88 and 82% increase in net revenue, respectively. The yield and net revenue effects indicate that there are considerable missing opportunities that sorghum-producing households can harness through the adoption of SITs. Our findings reveal that policies tailored towards promoting the widespread adoption of SITs can lead to considerable productivity gains and economic returns for smallholder sorghum farmers towards improving their welfare.

Building a Resilient and Sustainable Sorghum Value Chain in Tanzania’s Lake Zone Region

Climate change and low agricultural productivity are the major hurdles facing sorghum farming in the Lake Zone Region of Tanzania. However, there is limited information on the contribution of sustainable projects in greening the sorghum value chain in Tanzania. This study aims to analyze how to develop a resilient and sustainable sorghum value chain using a project approach. Primary and secondary data were collected and used. Primary data were collected using key informant interviews (KII) administered to the value chain actors using audio recordings and notes. Secondary data were obtained from project-related project documents, reports, publications, and conference proceedings. The audio recordings were transcribed into lengthy notes summarized for ease of interview theme identification. To enhance access to improved seeds and fertilizers and advisory services, a linkage between the agro-dealers (input suppliers), farmers, and extension personnel was established to improve farmers’ yield potential. Good agricultural practices, e.g., planting methods and pest management and improved seed varieties that were drought tolerant, early maturing, and high yielding, such as Macia and Tegemeo, were readily available in shops and promoted through the establishment of demo plots. Local aggregation of sorghum grain helped to ease transport-to-market logistics for farmers and contributed to lower transport costs. Mechanized threshing was promoted to ensure the high-quality crop is sold to the off-taker for premium prices and meets the export market requirements. We highlight the Lake Zone project experiences and lessons learned to demonstrate the potential for building resilience and sustainability of the sorghum value chain.