New Sorghum and Millet Cultivar Introduction in Sub-Saharan Africa: Impacts and Policy Implications

摘要

In spite of substantial introduction of new sorghum and millet cultivars in semiarid sub-Saharan Africa, there has been minimum aggregate impact on yields. Large yield increases occurred only in areas where inorganic fertilizers and improved water retention or irrigation were combined with new cultivars. Given the low soil fertility and irregular rainfall in semiarid regions, both increased water availability and adequate levels of essential nutrients are necessary for substantial yield increases. The cultivar-alone-strategy is unlikely to have a significant sustainable yield effect and therefore to reduce poverty in semiarid Sub-Saharan Africa.