Sorghum Seed Systems and Production Practices among Smallholder Farmers in Semi-arid Zones of West Pokot, Kenya

Abstract

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) is an important cereal in most semi-arid and arid regions of the world due to its high adaptability to harsh environments. However, its adoption and production levels in Kenyan drylands remain low due to multiple constraints. A baseline study was conducted in the dry regions of West Pokot, Kenya, to assess the local sorghum production and seed systems using a semi-structured questionnaire administered to 70 households. Data were collected on the socio-demographic characteristics, sorghum production and seed management practices, production constraints, and post-harvest handling practices. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, multiple-response analysis, and the Chi-square test in SPSS (Version 20). The results indicated that the majority of the respondents were female (61%), and 88.5% of them were aged 15-45 years. Most farmers cultivated small farm sizes (0.5 - 2 acres) and relied on seed saved from previous harvests, which were associated with diseases, poor germination, and low yields. Major constraints hindering sorghum production included birds, pests, diseases, drought, and lack of market access. Despite the challenges reported, about 54.3% of farmers identified yield as the dominant preferred trait in sorghum production. A large proportion of farmers stored harvested grains for up to 6 months, with local markets reported by 89% of farmers as the preferred channel for marketing sorghum. These findings demonstrate that sorghum production in West Pokot is sustained by farmer-managed seed systems and indigenous post-harvest practices but constrained by limited access to quality seed and reliable markets. Therefore, strengthening farmer-managed seed systems and improving market linkages can help enhance sorghum productivity in semi-arid regions in Kenya and other parts of the world.