Developing High-Nutrient, Drought-Resistant Sorghum Varieties
Dryland regions of sub-Saharan and East Africa are characterized by low rainfall, drought and poor soil, which severely affect the nutritional quality and yield of most crops. These conditions contribute to food and nutrition insecurity among children and women.
Sorghum is a major food and forage crop that can survive in harsh conditions, but sorghum’s nutritional value differs across varieties and the crop contains high levels of substances known as antinutrients that limit the body’s ability to absorb the nutrients. Additionally, the crop can support livestock production by using its stalks and leaves as livestock forage, but some sorghum varieties contain hydrocyanic acid, which is highly toxic to livestock and humans
To address this, researchers led by Dr. Scovia Adikini of the National Agricultural Research Organization are identifying and developing sorghum varieties with higher nutritional value and improved yield while reducing antinutrient and hydrocyanide levels.