Multiannual and Multisite Participative Assessment of Pearl Millet Varieties [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R; Br.]

Participatory research approaches involving farmers in decision making processes help improve the
effectiveness of technology development, increase the speed of adoption and payoffs to agricultural
research. Here we implemented participatory varietal selection processes to identify and understand
smallholder farmers’ criteria for selection and adoption of new millet varieties in north zones. During
wet seasons of 1991-1997, traditional varieties together with improved millet varieties were evaluated
in on-farm trials in northeast, north center and northwest regions. Improved varieties were developed
in Ferkessedougou research station. Farmers’ preference criteria were: long panicles, good tillering,
high yielding with pest and disease resistance.