Abstract

This paper aims to understand farmers’ perceptions and challenges in production and use of traditional grains as well as feed manufacturers perceptions on inclusion of traditional grains in feed formulations. The study also seeks to ascertain the opportunities for increased adoption of traditional grains as an adaptive strategy to climate change. Climate change has contributed to a shift in seasons and precipitation, giving rise to successive droughts in Zimbabwe. This has resulted in decreased maize production and productivity semi-arid and arid regions. Traditional grains have the potential to sustain livelihoods and contribute immensely to the feed and breweries industry. Data were collected using 250 semi-structured interviews, 5 focus group discussions and 25 individual farmer interviews in Masvingo District. Ten feed manufacturing companies listed by the Stockfeed Manufacturers Association were also interviewed. The data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics ver. 22 of 2019. All tests were tested at p< 0.05 significance level. Majority of the farmers (48%) produced traditional grains for consumption and 23% used the grain for livestock feed. The study recommends mechanisation and modernisation of production and processing of traditional grains to further increase adoption by farmers and feed manufacturers.

Key words: Traditional grains, semi-arid regions, sorghum, climate change.