Farmers’ perception on impact of drought and their preference for sorghum cultivars in Burkina Faso

Ouedraogo, N. and Sanou, S. and Kam, H. and Traore, H. and etc, . (2017) Farmers’ perception on impact of drought and their preference for sorghum cultivars in Burkina Faso. Agricultural Science Research Journal, 7 (9). pp. 277-284.

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Abstract

Sorghum production in Burkina Faso relies on small scale farmers. Unfortunately, many suffer from drought caused by erratic rainfall during the rainy season. The importance of understanding farmers’ perception on impact of drought and different ways to manage it is necessary. Participatory rural approach (PRA) using a focus group discussion and semi-structured interviews with 340 farmers was conducted in six districts located in two agro ecological zones. The study investigated famers’ perceptions on sorghum production constraints with emphasis on drought impact, drought management, sorghum varieties farmers grow and their traits of choice. Results showed Striga (Striga hermontica) is the major constraint limiting sorghum production. Drought was the second factor reducing sorghum yield and was the most important abiotic constraint. Farmers showed a good empirical knowledge about drought and indicated that post-flowering drought was recurrent but less damaging than other types of drought. To alleviate drought effect, farmers employed different methods including cultural practices, soil and water conservation, use early maturity materials and prayers for rain. Until now, farmers rely more on their local landraces than improved varieties for sorghum production and want high yielding varieties that withstand drought, have white grain color and are high edible.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Sorghum, farmers, perception, participatory rural approach, drought
Author Affiliation: Institute of Environment and Agricultural Research (INERA), BP 910 Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
Subjects: Crop Improvement
Divisions: Sorghum
Depositing User: Mr T L Gautham
Date Deposited: 08 May 2018 06:07
Last Modified: 08 May 2018 06:07
URI: http://eprints.icrisat.ac.in/id/eprint/15420

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