Sorghum Production in Northern Namibia: Farmers’ Perceived Constraints and Trait Preferences

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) is a valuable crop in the dry regions of world, including Namibia. Due to intensity and recurrence drought heat stress traditional sorghum growing areas, there need breed deploy new generation farmer-preferred climate-smart cultivars serve diverse value chains. Therefore, objectives this study were assess present state production northern Namibia document farmers’ perceived constraints trait preferences varieties guide drought-tolerance breeding. A survey was conducted using participatory rural appraisal following six selected sorghum-growing constituencies Namibia: Kapako Mpungu (Kavango West Region), Eenhana Endola (Ohangwena Katima Mulilo Rural Kongola (Zambezi Region). Data collected structured questionnaire involving 198 farmers 14 sampled villages across regions. Results revealed variable trends among respondent when disaggregated by gender, age, number households, education level, cropping systems, types grown, constraints. An equal proportion male female cultivate sorghum, suggesting both genders Most (63.6%) productive age groups <40 years old. In low-yielding landrace varieties, namely Ekoko, Okambete, Makonga, Kamburo, Nkutji, Katoma, Fuba, Dommy, Kawumbe, Okatombo, widely cultivated, most did not use chemical fertilizers sorghum. Farmers’ areas included recurrent drought, declining soil fertility, insect pest damage, high cost inputs, unavailability improved seed, lack alternative with preferred traits, organic manure, limited access market extension service. The key traits variety grain yield, early maturity, tolerance field storage pests. recommends genetic improvement deployment described farmers-preferred increase sustainable