Knowledge and Information Systems on Sorghum Amongst Sorghum Farmers in Nyanza, Eastern and Coastal Regions, Kenya

As climate change continues to impact negatively on crop productivity, hardy crops such as sorghum could end severe food insecurity due to their potential to withstand adverse conditions. Farmers rely on localized indigenous knowledge passed on by word of mouth, informal training systems and growing practices as farmers interact. Though there are many stakeholders in sorghum production and its value chain, access to information and knowledge by farmers is still limited especially in marginalized regions. To understand information and knowledge management systems in sorghum production and how stakeholders interact a study was conducted in Eastern, Nyanza and Coastal regions of Kenya using structured questionnaires. The results showed most farmers were females. Majority had attained primary and secondary education, while 7.5% had no education. Farmer-to-farmer source of information on where to source seed was highest compared to agricultural extension officers and media advertisement. 60% do not consult where to get seed, instead use on farm saved seeds. Majority use traditional knowledge through experience compared to sources such as ministry of Agriculture, trainings and fellow farmers. Farmer-to-farmer information network and market analysis was commonly used on where to sell the grain. On-farm saved seed was selected based on size and color and about 60% conduct germination test on the seed from whichever source before planting. Majority (82.5%) use on-farm saved seeds, manure/compost and cultural methods to control pests.  Of the respondents, 15% (eastern) and 7.5% (coastal) reported they have no measures to respond to climate change. Majority use grain for human consumption and about 73.1% are not members of any farmer group. Therefore, sensitization on benefits of sorghum crop, formation of more active farmer groups, involvement of agricultural related stakeholders, provision of more support and capacity building could enable them attain optimum agricultural productivity. Keywords: drought, food security, information, knowledge, sorghum, stakeholders DOI: 10.7176/JESD/14-4-05 Publication date: February 28th 2023

Master of Science in Rangeland Ecosystem Management Curriculum

The combination of inadequate understanding of the dynamics in rangeland ecosystems and local livelihood systems are to blame for the inappropriate policy actions, unabated rangeland degradation trends, impoverishment of communities living in the rangelands, and their increased vulnerability to various shocks including climate change. The root cause of these problems is mainly linked to lack of inadequate skilled human resources, trained in rangeland ecosystem management at the postgraduate level, to tackle the complex biodiversity interactions in the rangeland ecosystems. The philosophy of this degree programme is, therefore, anchored in the paradigm that rangelands are socio-ecological systems with complex biophysical, socio-cultural and economic interactions, which call for specialized managers and decision makers. This programme therefore, aims to produce a critical mass of rangeland ecosystem management experts equipped with requisite skills, technologies and innovations to further research, apply appropriate practices and influence policies in favour of resilient rangeland ecosystems and livelihoods. Trained skilled manpower is expected to act as a catalyst for enhancing the productivity and sustainability of rangeland ecosystems and livelihoods through practice, policies and research

Bachelor of Science in Rangeland Ecosystem Management Curriculum

The School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences strongly believes in supporting advances in various aspects of rangeland science and community development practices in the rangeland ecosystem. There is increasing need to have well trained personnel with expertise in sustainable rangeland management, to provide leadership and stewardship for a sustainable framework for managing rangelands. This paradigm underlies the philosophy of linking the programme delivery with hands-on training, support to applied research and policy support ability to effectively contribute to sustainable rangeland ecosystem development and management. Universities have a key role in providing technical support in theory and practice by being proactive in training, research and innovation for sustainable rangeland resource management. This degree programme will contribute to the goal of improving the rangeland ecosystem health, while supporting sustainable livelihood options of communities and biodiversity in these ecosystems

Master of Science in Climate-Smart Agriculture Curriculum

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