Sorghum cultivation and improvement in West and Central Africa

Publication date: 02/04/2018
Extent: 24 pages

Contributions by: E. Weltzien and H. F. W. Rattunde, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA, formerly International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Mali; T. A. van Mourik, International Potato Center, Ghana; and H. A. Ajeigbe, International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Nigeria

Chapter synopsis: The diversity of sorghum cultivated in Africa attests to the African origin of this crop. Farmers in West and Central Africa (WCA) have developed strategies of using varietal diversity to minimize risk and maximize productivity in the context of complex and diverse adaptive challenges. This chapter provides insights and entry points to understanding sorghum in the WCA region. It also describes the major sorghum production systems, options for intensification and sustainable production, genetic diversity and opportunities to breed for enhancing sorghum crop value, as well as opportunities for progress in strengthening seed systems.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2017.0015.29