The Kenya government outlines the challenges facing the agricultural sector in its Vision 2030 blue print and reckons that the sector can play an increasing role in economic development of the country. For example sorghum is said to contribute up to 1 % of food grain crops. It has been noted that over one million hectares of land in semi arid regions is lying idle. This huge acreage is suited to various varieties of sorghum and other dry-land crops. Sorghum can play a leading role in food security if this land is reclaimed and put under proper use.
According to Opole et al, in his research titled, Improving Ratoon Management of Sorghum for Increasing Yields in Western Kenya, There has been on steady decline of the area under sorghum. By the year 1994; 175,000 hectares were covered by sorghum which yielded 108,000 metric tons. This reduced to 123,184 ha in 1999 which yielded 90,000 metric tons. The reduction was attributed to production constraints including competition from maize, reduced farm holdings and pests and diseases. By the year 2006, after amplified promotion of the crop as a solution to beat harsh environmental conditions, the acreage increased to 123,000 hectares.
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