On‐farm Performance and Farmers’ Perceptions of DroughtTEGO‐Climate‐Smart Maize Hybrids in Kenya

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) productivity in the sub‐Saharan Africa is constrained by biotic and abiotic stresses that reduce yield. In the region, one of the most serious abiotic factor is frequent intermittent droughts, which has been attributed to climate change. The purpose of this paper was to use on‐farm demonstration studies and farmer field days to demonstrate new drought mitigation technology and provide information on how small farmers can reduce yield losses. A total of 4814 demonstration plots of 39 DroughtTEGO maize hybrids and 19 commercial check hybrids were established in 17 counties across the low‐to‐mid‐altitude maize‐growing agroecologies of Kenya between 2015 and 2017. A total of 246 field‐day workshops were conducted. Combined analyses across years and locations showed that top five DroughtTEGO hybrids increased maize yields 33 to 54% (5.5–6.3 Mg ha−1) relative to conventional hybrids. The highest yield advantage of DroughtTEGO hybrids over commercial checks was observed in the drier lower eastern region in Kenya. Farmers particularly women, preferred the DroughtTEGO hybrids because of the stay‐green character, whiteness of flour (milling quality), root lodging resistance, drought‐tolerance and shelling percentage. Results from this study suggested that smallholder farmers can reduce the impact of drought by seeding drought‐tolerant maize hybrids. Core Ideas High yields and farmer‐preferred traits determine adoption of new varieties. Conducting on‐farm demonstrations can overcome adoption barriers. Planting of drought‐tolerant hybrids mitigates drought stress for smallholder‐farmers.

On‐Farm Research: Experimental Approaches, Analytical Frameworks, Case Studies, and Impact

“…Demonstration on‐farm trials on farmer fields can be effective in adoption of drought tolerant maize hybrids in Sub‐Saharan Africa. Approximately 5000 demonstration plots of 39 drought tolerant hybrids were tested on farmers’ fields in Kenya (Obunyali et al, 2019). Drought impact on maize yield could be reduced by planting drought tolerant hybrids.…”

Delving into possible missing links for attainment of food security in Central Malawi: farmers’ perceptions and long term dynamics in maize (Zea mays L.) production

“…This came as a unique observation. In Zimbabwe, Mukanga et al (2011) reported that farmers preferred local maize Although the present study depicts hybrids as 'not good' on flour properties, farmers in Kenya chose hybrid (Drought-TEGO) because of its stay-green characteristic, resistant to lodging, whiteness of flour, drought resistance and easy shelling (Obunyali et al, 2019). Other factors in favour of local maize observed outside African region include special flour flavour, sweet green maize and local prestige (Boef et al, 2013).…”

Assessment of Maize Yield Response to Agricultural Management Strategies Using the DSSAT–CERES-Maize Model in Trans Nzoia County in Kenya

“…H614 is one of the oldest cultivars and is popular among farmers, especially in high-altitude regions (Almekinders et al, 2021). According to Obunyali et al, (2019), new cultivars are slowly being adopted due to a lack of performance data under farmers' conditions. The assertion suggests that evaluating various cultivars in different production conditions is crucial for agrotechnology transfer and farmers' adoption.…”