UNL 101

Lead University: University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Project Title:  Crop, soil and water management to optimize grain yield and quality for value-added markets in eastern and southern Africa

U.S. PI: Charles S. Wortmann, 58C Filley Hall, University of Nebraska-Lincoln,  68583, USA

Summary:

Food demand in eastern and southern Africa (ESA) is increasing while soil water and nutrient deficits become more constraining. Water deficits are the greatest constraint to semi-arid crop production in the ESA causing an estimated 1,800,000 Mg yr-1 loss in sorghum production potential across Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Mozambique. Potential yield losses due to nutrient deficiencies are estimated to total ~2,000,000 Mg yr-1. Water and nutrient deficits enhance striga damage which is estimated to cause an additional production loss of 800,000 Mg yr-1. High global demand and high prices for basic commodities in early 2008 was expected to drive demand for and adoption of information and varieties from research and extension to enable increased productivity; however, world market prices have again dropped to near historical levels while the number of the world’s hungry continues to increase. In Ethiopia, research and extension activities on water conservation, water use efficiency, and nutrient management targeted to striga infested and non-infested areas emphasizing extension and achievement of adoption. A proposal is being developed with the International Drought Mitigation Center to seek funding for improved farmer responsiveness to anticipated harsher and more variable weather conditions associated with climate change which is to have pilot areas in Ethiopia and Mozambique. In eastern Uganda, tillage and soil fertility management research and extension activities will continue for striga-infested areas with expansion of technology transfer to northern Uganda. In central Tanzania, research on-farm evaluation and promotion of tillage options will continue in Dodoma and Singida regions for more productive and resilient production systems expecting that climate change will result in harsher and more variable weather conditions. Collaboration in Mozambique will continue to address issues of fertilizer nutrient use efficiency in diverse cropping systems through research and extension. A traveling workshop, coupled with an extension writing retreat, is planned for Jan 2010. A student from Mozambique is to begin Ph.D. studies at UNL in Jan 2010 and two students are being recruiting for M.Sc. study in an African university. The PI will make three visits to ESA during this period. Research in Nebraska will continue to focus on water and nitrogen use efficiency and finalized for management and comparative advantages of sweet sorghum as a bio-fuel crop. Extension activities in Nebraska resulting from previous fertilizer use and on-going tillage research will continue.

Objectives:

The goal of this project is to improve food security and market development of sorghum and pearl millet in ESA through research, institutional capacity building and technology dissemination. Soil fertility and water management for sorghum production will be improved in the United States. The specific objectives to be addressed during this period follow.

Enhancement of institutional capacity for soil and water management research and technology dissemination in ESA through graduate degree and short-term training, and technical support.

Increased productivity of sorghum based cropping systems through better crop, soil, water and weed (striga) management including: verification and/or promotion in Ethiopia of tied-ridge and skip-row planting, combined with soil fertility management; soil fertility management, tillage and striga management research and extension in Uganda, Tanzania, and Mozambique; and improved responsiveness to variable weather conditions.

Enhanced demand for sorghum with activities in Uganda and Ethiopia on feeding of livestock and grain supply to breweries.

These objectives support the overall vision of the Sorghum, Millet and Other Grains CRSP to improve food security, enhance farm income, and improve economic activity in the major sorghum and pearl millet producing countries in Africa.

We will address the objectives of the SMOG CRSP in ESA and the USA primarily by: 1) facilitating market expansion for sorghum and pearl millet; 2) increasing yield level and stability through crop, soil and water management while sustaining the natural resource base through research and extension (including for striga management); and 3) improving research and extension capacity through effective partnerships with diverse agencies.