The adoption of Sorghum as a drought resistant crop by peasant farmers in Mukonchi area, Kabwe

Abstract

This study attempts to find out the adoption of sorghum as a drought resistant crop by peasant farmers in Mukonchi, Kabwe rural, Central Province, Zambia. The study seeks to assess the extent to which peasant farmers have adopted sorghum due to the frequent droughts being experienced in the area. The research also hopes to assess the extent to which the agricultural extension services have contributed to the adoption of sorghum. This is as a result of the frequent droughts being experienced and yet farmers continue to grow maize instead of drought resistant crops. The methods used to collect data were by use of a Questionnaire and review of secondary sources. The collection of primary data was through direct interviews of the questionnaire to a sample of farmers who were randomly selected. The secondary information was obtained from; researchers in Kabwe, Mutwe-wa-nsof u and Mukonchi research stations. Information on rainfall and temperature pattern of the area was provided, by Lusaka meteorological station while the initial information on the subject was collected from the University of Zambia main library and mount makulu. Tables, charts and graphs are used to present the data collected. Analysis of data was done manually and it relies on percentages and the chi—square. The research findings indicate that there is a good number of farmers who have adopted the growing of drought resistant crops and that most of them grow millet as opposed to sorghum. The findings also show that agricultural extension services have contributed to the adoption of sorghum as a drought resistant crop in Mukochi area.