Sorghum

 

Picture: Thinkstock

 

Quick Facts
• Fifth most important cereal crop in the world
• Africa is the largest producer of sorghum
• Originally cultivated in Egypt, known as “an ancient grain”
• Can easily adapt to weather extremes e.g. drought and flooding
• Drought resistant and therefore more suitable for areas like Matabeleland (province) that are semi-arid (needs one-third less water than for example, maize)
• Known as the “camel of crops” as it saves water
• It is a subsistence crop

Sorghum in Zimbabwe is commercially processed for use as malt in the opaque beer industry, as animal feed, and as a porridge substitute. It is a weather resistant crop that grows well in the drought ridden areas of Zimbabwe. In addition, it is a fast growing crop that also has the benefits of becoming organic matter as it decomposes, in 0rder to enrich the soil.

It is mostly grown by subsistence and small scale farmers, as the market for it remains small commercially.