Impact assessment of sorghum research in Zambia

Chisi, Medson (2007) Impact assessment of sorghum research in Zambia. In: Impact of science on African agriculture and food Security, 1st edn. CABI Publishing, Oxfordshire, UK, pp. 137-146. ISBN 978-1-84593-267-1

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Abstract

The resources for agricultural and natural resources research have declined in Zambia. Therefore, there is a need to generate evidence on the rate of return (ROR) on past investments in sorghum research. Zambia's sorghum research programme has released seven widely adapted varieties and management practices. The objective of this study is to assess the socio-economic impact of sorghumresearch in Zambia from 1983 to 2010 and to assist in identifying priority areas for future research. A multistage sampling procedure was used in the study and a total of 278 farmers comprising 241 small-scale, 25 medium-scale and 12 commercial farmers was interviewed. A surplus approach was used to estimate the ROR to research and development investment. The Akino-Hayami and simple benefit-cost analysis techniques were used to estimate the ROR to investment. The estimated adoption rate in the sorghum producing sector in Zambia was 33.5%. Farmers identified early maturity, drought tolerance and high yield as the most important attributes of improved varieties. About half of the respondents cited a lack of improved seed and information as reasons for non-adoption. The estimated ROR for investment in sorghum research and complementary services ranged from 12% to 19%, depending on the future adoption path.

Item Type: Book Section
Author Affiliation: International Livestock Research Institute, ILRI, PO Box 5689 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Subjects: Social Sciences > Agricultural Economics
Divisions: Sorghum
Depositing User: Sandhya Gir
Date Deposited: 23 May 2011 05:19
Last Modified: 25 May 2011 03:47
Official URL: http://www.cabi.org/CABeBooks/default.aspx?site=10...
URI: http://eprints.icrisat.ac.in/id/eprint/2056

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