that farmers have less to worry about in deciding to adopt good agronomic practices introduced to them for sorghum production. This is also consistent with the nature of this crop that is considered to be very tolerant and can even survive in marginal land and under considerable low rainfall regime.
Table 36b: Constraints militating against the adoption of Good Agronomic Practices among sorghum farmers Constraints
Very severe
Severe
Mild severe
Not severe
Not a problem
Weighted score
Insufficient awareness about safety
4(5)
13(16.25)
18(22.5)
25(31.25)
20(25)
2.45
Environmental and social problem
6(7.5)
12(15)
10(12.5)
17(21.25)
34(42.5)
2.23
Insufficient knowledge of impact of agricultural practices
8(10)
7(8.75)
24(30)
12(15)
29(36.25)
2.4
Lack of knowledge and low education
8(10)
19(23.75)
20(25)
16(20)
13(16.25)
2.8
Poor understanding of technology (GAP) requirements
7(8.75)
14(17.5)
10(12.5)
21(26.25)
28(35)
2.37
Poor record keeping
13(16.25)
15(18.75)
17(21.25)
24(30)
11(13.75)
2.9
Low motivation and incentives to implement GAP
10(12.5)
9(11.25)
20(25)
22(27.5)
19(23.75)
2.5
Unhygienic practices in production and food processing
2(2.5)
12(15)
23(28.75)
22(27.5)
21(26.25)
2.47
No direct links with market
9(11.25)
13(16.25)
13(16.25)
20(25)
21(26.25)
2.62
Small number of large export companies
13(16.25)
16(20)
13(16.25)
15(18.75)
23(28.75)
2.75
Insufficient organization of small growers in producers association
12(15)
10(12.5
17(21.25)
25(31.25)
16(20)
2.7
Inappropriate use of pesticides
8(10)
18(22.5)
16(20)
14(17.5)
24(30)
2.625
Shortage of skill labour
8(10)
17(21.25)
9(11.25)
20(25)
26(32.5)
2.5
Poor understanding of the role of GAP
12(15)
12(15)
12(15)
19(23.75)
25(31.25)
2.55
Insufficient dialogue with stakeholders
6(7.5)
11(13.75)
19(23.75)
15(18.75)
29(36.25)
2.375
Insufficient outreach and lack of coordination in training
-
16(20)
13(16.25)
9(11.25)
42(52.5)
2.025
Figures in parentheses are percentages
Note: weighted score less than 3.0 indicates not severe
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