Atlas of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench): Production in Eastern and Southern Africa

Authors

Charles S. Wortmann, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Martha Mamo, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Christopher Mburu, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute
Elias Letayo, Agricultural Research Institute-Hombolo (Dodoma, Tanzania)
Girma Abebe, Melkassa Agricultura Research Center, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research
Kaizzi C. Kayuki, Kawanda Agricultural Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Organization (Kampala, Uganda)
Medson Chisi, Zambia Agricultural Research Institute
Munyaradzi Mativavarira, Zimbabwe Agricultural Research and Extension Services
Soares Xerinda, Chokwe Agricultural Research Center (Gaza, Mozambique)
Theophile Ndacyayisenga, Institut des Sciences Agronomiques du Rwanda

ORCID IDs

Charles S. Wortmann

Date of this Version

2009

Document Type

Article

Citation

USAID, INTSORMIL, MAFS Tanzania, ISAR, ARC-LNR, ZARI, EIAR, IIAM, KARI, NARO, and University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2009.

Comments

U.S. government publication.

Abstract

Grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is a major crop in many parts of Africa and is noted for its versatility and diversity. It is adapted over a wide range of precipitation and temperature levels and is produced at sea level to above 2000 m altitude. In eastern and southern Africa, it is primarily a crop of resource-poor, small-scale farmers and is typically produced under adverse conditions such as low input use and marginal lands. There are numerous biotic and abiotic constraints to production. The grain and stover are used in many different ways with localized preferences. Much information is needed to effectively address the problems and opportunities of this diverse crop.

The Atlas of Sorghum Production in Eastern and Southern Africa presents information on sorghum in nine countries to serve information needs of researchers, extension and rural development specialists, policy makers, and emergency relief personnel. It accounts for 85% of the sorghum production on an area basis, or 3,400,000 ha, from Ethiopia south to Mozambique with most of the uncovered production in Somalia (FAOSTAT, 2008). Numerous researchers and others knowledgeable of sorghum in their country contributed information and expert opinions for the Atlas. The Atlas presents information in maps and tables for 39 sorghum production areas in nine countries addressing production constraints, cropping systems, management, uses, preferences, gender roles, and marketing.