African Journal of
Agricultural Research

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Agric. Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1991-637X
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJAR
  • Start Year: 2006
  • Published Articles: 6900

Full Length Research Paper

Opportunities, perceptions and challenges in production and use of traditional grains in Semi-Arid Masvingo District, Zimbabwe

Nyasha Rugwete
  • Nyasha Rugwete
  • Department of Livestock Research, Fifth Street Extension, P. O. Box CY 594 Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe. 2Department of Livestock Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, P. O. Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe.
  • Google Scholar
Tonderai Mutibvu
  • Tonderai Mutibvu
  • Department of Livestock Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, P. O. Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe.
  • Google Scholar
Tinyiko E Halimani
  • Tinyiko E Halimani
  • Department of Livestock Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, P. O. Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe.
  • Google Scholar


  •  Received: 30 June 2023
  •  Accepted: 18 August 2023
  •  Published: 31 August 2023

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.