Sorghum and Pearl Millet Seed Value Chains in Zambia: Opportunities and Challenges for Smallholder Farmers

Authors

Priscilla Hamukwala, University of ZambiaFollow

Date of this Version

12-2010

Document Type

Presentation

Citation

Presented at the Sorghum Food Enterprise and Technology Development in Southern Africa Workshop, in Lusaka, Zambia, December 6-9, 2010.

Comments

Copyright 2010, the author. Used by permission.

Abstract

Sorghum and pearl millet rank second and third, respectively, as important staple cereals after maize.

-There are new market developments in the beer industry requiring farmers to increase productivity and production

-These markets can significantly affect access to improved seed, and thus increase decisions on utilization

-Even though market developments indicate great potential for the two crops, their supply has remained erratic

-There was need therefore to identify the constraining factors to steady supply of sorghum & millet grain through conducting a seed value chain

-Little is known about the existing seed acquisition channels, extent of utilization, how they function and how well they are positioned to enhance small-scale farmers’ access to improved seed

Objectives:

Determine farmer adoption of the improved seed, fertilizer use and yields for sorghum, maize, and millet crops since 1990

Identify key players, their functions, and value added at each stage of the chain

Identify factors that limit adoption of improved seed varieties

Determine strategies available to increase adoption and returns, and to reduce risk in the value chain.