Abstract:
This paper examined the effect of variety attributes on adoption of improved sorghum varieties in Kenya. Using
data from a random sample of 140 farmers, a multivariate probit was used to identify variety-specific drivers
of adoption. The results on the perception of farmers variety attributes showed that improved varieties had
desirable production and marketing attributes while the local varieties were perceived to have the best consumption
attributes. Evidence further indicated that the major sorghum variety attributes driving rapid adoption are taste,
drought tolerance, yield, ease of cooking, and the variety’s ability to fetch a price premium. Early maturity, a major
focus of research was found to have no effect on the adoption decision. The findings of the study implied that,
while developing improved seed varieties, breeders should also focus on non-yield attributes like taste and ease of
cooking to increase adoption and satisfy the multiple needs of the farmers.
