Influence of farmer conservation practices on perceived availability status of traditional sorghum varieties in Agago district, Northern Uganda

Abstract

The undervalued potential usefulness of Traditional Sorghum Varieties (TSVs) puts them at risk of extinction in the farming systems. Supporting on-farm conservation is one of the strategies to minimize the extinction of TSVs. In order to generate information that will inform conservation of TSVs, this study was designed to establish the availability status of TSVs. It is assumed that farmer practices have a great contribution to availability status and therefore conservation. Specifically, this study sought to establish: the availability status of TSVs in Agago district; and farmer practices (on and off the field) used in effort to conserve existing TSVs. A sequential exploratory mixed methods design was conducted in Agago district covering 20 villages. Data was collected using focus group discussions and in-depth individual interviews in the phase 1 followed by a cross sectional household survey administered to 246 households. Data collected using thematic analysis, four square analysis (qualitative), percentages and chi square test (quantitative). Major findings revealed a total of 9 TSVs existed among the farmers. Among the 9 TSVs on average 2 were found to be abundant, 4 were moderately rare and 3 were rare. The availability status of the TSVs was largely explained by yield, culinary, storability and marketability characteristics. For instance, the abundance status of the 2 varieties was alluded to perceived higher yield, softer pericarp that eased grinding and the ready local market. The rare varieties (3) were hard to grind and more susceptible to pest destruction in spite of reported longer shelf life and perceived food fill. The methods that farmers used in pest control both in the field and storage also contributed to the availability status. Striga was one of the main challenges which farmers controlled (29%) mainly by delayed planting and changing planting sites. Use of local concoctions (27%) and mixed varieties (19%) were the main pest control methods used. Chilli fencing was also used. In storage farmers used fresh neem leaves, pepper fruits and space above the fire place. Storage above the fire place reportedly subjected the TSV to longer shelf life of more than a year. Generally, the availability status of the TSVs was largely attributed to farmer’s preferences (yield, culinary, storage, local market) and to some extent response to farmers’ weed and pest control methods. Although farmer practices encouraged TSV conservation, some practices like delayed planting may not be appropriate given the known effect on yield and pest infestation especially in Godda variety which then the most abundant.