She has not explored new seed varieties due to a lack of knowledge about their existence and benefits, as well sheer disinterest. “In comparison, it is a struggle to raise 10 bags from one acre using local seed varieties such as Nyamula,” said the researcher. “These improved seeds are tailored for specific areas but farmers lack the knowledge about the latest farming technologies,” he added. Infiltration of the market by uncertified products, sometimes supplied by unscrupulous dealers within government ranks, is another deterring factor in improved seed adoption. The premise was that other farmers would notice healthier crops in neighbouring fields of benchmark farmers and adopt the techniques and inputs used.

Source: The North Africa Journal May 28, 2018 14:57 UTC