Participatory variety selection and characterization of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) elite accessions from Malawian gene pool using farmer and breeder knowledge

Plant breeding and agricultural promotion programmes in Malawi continue to be patterned after those in western industrialised countries - heavily dependent on inputs. This strategy has not produced the desired results of sustainable and increased crop yields. It has also failed to make use of the significant agricultural biodiversity available in Malawi and its potential to address food security concerns and issues in the country.<br /><br />This paper describes how plant breeders and farmers worked together to test a range of sorghum accessions in a participatory varietal selection (PVS) programme. The specific objective of the project was to select diverse and productive sorghum lines adapted to local conditions and accepted by farmers and consumers&rsquo; at large using farmers&rsquo; indigenous knowledge and breeders&rsquo; scientific approach.<br /><br />The study used a participatory research approach which involved the following:<br /> participatory rural appraisals (PRAs) were conducted on the major characteristics of sorghum landraces - this was done in village meetings by focused group discussions (FGDs) a number of other PRA techniques were employed such as &lsquo;matrix ranking&rdquo; where local landraces were assessed by ranking them for multiple traits individual interviews were also conducted - project officers (POs) and development officers (DOs) along with their field assistants assisted in identifying farmers who participated in the focus groups<br />discussions. For each ADD two FGDs were held - one for women and one for men. This was done to facilitate an open discussion and uninhibited speech for women. The study showed that farmers&rsquo; characterisation of several accessions combined with statistical, nutritional, and genetic analyses performed by the breeders were useful in selecting the best elite accessions that have been adopted by the farmers at large. This multidisciplinary approach ensured the selection of accessions with acceptable digestible protein without redundancy of the materials released.