Striga control -: technologies and their dissemination

Striga spp. are endemic in Sub-Saharan Africa and pose one of the most severe biological constraints to cereal production in low-potential areas. Although the level of Striga infestation and damage is increasing, farmers rarely adopt Striga control methods. The paper discusses various Striga control methods for their effectiveness and adoption potential by small-scale farmers. It further addresses the specific constraints to the adoption of improved farming techniques in low-potential areas. A Striga control program in western Kenya is presented, which tackled various aspects of the development of a Striga control strategy, including adapted control methods, training materials and concepts for farmers and extension agents, the implementation of technology diffusion approaches and the implementation of stakeholder fora to raise awareness. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.