Posted on January, 31, 2025 at 10:05 am
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), under the stewardship of Dr. Sylvester Anami, from the Institute of Biotechnology and Research (IBR) is leading a transformative project aimed at addressing food security challenges and climate change impacts in sub-Saharan Africa.
The three-year initiative that commenced in July 2024, and funded by the Alliance of International Science Organization (ANSO), is evaluating and promoting sweet sorghum hybrids for diverse uses, including bioethanol production, animal feed, and biofertilizers, while bolstering food and nutritional security.
In collaboration with Agricultural Research Corporation-Sudan, the National Semi-Arid Resources Research Institute (NaSARRI) in Uganda, Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), and the Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, the project covers Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Sudan.
Sweet sorghum, known for its resilience to low moisture and pest resistance, has proven to be a game-changer for farmers in
arid and semi-arid regions.
Trials of seven sweet sorghum hybrid varieties, supplied by Hai-Chun Jing, are underway in Kenya at JKUAT’s Sino-Africa Joint Research Centre (SAJOREC) Modern Agriculture Demonstration Area, Kakamega, Kisumu, and Machakos.
Initial harvest results indicate that the sweet sorghum hybrids outperform local varieties in yield per acre, have higher sugar content (Brix levels), deter birds, and exhibit resistance to pests such as Striga, a parasitic weed that affects cereal crops.
The high sugar concentration makes the stalks sticky and less palatable for many bird species, while certain varieties also have tannins or other natural compounds that discourage feeding. Additionally, the compact seed heads of some sweet sorghum hybrids make it harder for birds to access the grains compared to other cereals like millet or traditional sorghum varieties.
According to Dr. Anami, involving farmers in Kakamega’s Ikolomani and Kisumu’s Nyando regions has not only enhanced access to improved seeds but also empowered communities to adopt sorghum as a staple food, enriching diets and improving livelihoods.
“Over 100 farmers and their families are already benefiting from the initiative, with enhanced knowledge and access to training through organizations like the Shimanyiro Sorghum Farmers’ Association and the Mukongolo Consumer Cooperative. Also, the knowledge-sharing sessions and exchange visits between Kakamega and Kisumu farmers have strengthened networks, ensuring the sustainability of sorghum farming across western Kenya.”
The project’s impact extends beyond farming, with an emphasis on value addition and industrial applications. In Kakamega County, a 100-kg capacity micro-distillery and a sorghum mill have been procured, paving the way for bioethanol production and other value-added products.
The construction of a community seed bank is underway, in a bid to secure indigenous and hybrid sorghum varieties, while farmers receive training in business and financial management to prepare for future entrepreneurial ventures.
In Uganda, efforts are underway to produce hybrid seeds from parent lines, while partner countries continue to share expertise in breeding, cultivation, and value addition. These efforts have already generated academic outputs, with one paper presented at an international conference and multiple manuscripts and a book in development to document the findings.
Looking ahead, the second year of the project will focus on scaling up the production of bioethanol, animal feed, and biofertilizers using sweet sorghum hybrids. This initiative holds the promise of transforming agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa, providing a sustainable solution to food security challenges, and establishing new industrial opportunities.
Dr. Anami believes that this initiative is not only empowering farmers but also positioning sweet sorghum as a catalyst for a sustainable circular economy across the continent.
Source: JKUAT