“We are expecting a bumper sorghum harvest” says Dr Rose Njeru, Technology Deployment Director at Africa Harvest. “We anticipate that the 13 tons of sorghum seed planted by November 2009 will be harvested and bulked by our farmers bringing much needed income into their pockets”.
East Africa Malting Ltd (EAML), a wholly owned subsidiary of East Africa Breweries Ltd has partnered with Africa Harvest to promote the growing of sorghum grain and enhance the sorghum value chain in Kenya. Due to worldwide increases in the cost of sourcing barley, EAML is investing in sorghum as a malting substitute. The project has been implemented in the lower zones of Eastern Province; Kitui North, Mbeere, Masinga, Tharaka, Embu, Maara, Meru South , Imenti North, Imenti South and Imenti Central. These areas are characterised by high levels of poverty due to the dry climate, repeated crop failure and recurrent drought.
Dr Njeru stated that the project started in October 2009. The first growing season was quite successful in comparison to the start of many similar projects. 75 farmer meetings were held and there was a high rate of adoption by farmers as 131 farmer groups have been formed representing over 2600 farmers. Due to the late delivery of seeds and planting in the midst of the rains, the harvest is likely to be less than what was planned. However, harvest preparations are underway as 39 collection centers are ready to collect and bulk the grain.
Furthermore, the project is also creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to dry, bulk and transport the grain from the collection centers to EAML. Dr Njeru expects better performance in the next growing season as the project picks up momentum. It is anticipated that with the good spirit of cooperation and teamwork between the various stakeholders, the region can supply most the growing demand for sorghum grain.