Socioeconomic Factors Affecting Sorghum Productivity in the Rain-fed Sector of Gadarif State, Sudan

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine, analyze and compare the socioeconomic factors affecting sorghum productivity of small-scale farmers (male and female) in the rain-fed sector of Gadarif state, Sudan. Multistage random sampling technique was used to collect data from 175 farmers from three villages, by means of questionnaire, in February 2013. Descriptive statistics, F-statistics and robust regression analysis techniques were used to achieve the stated objectives. Results revealed the existence of substantial differences between male and female socioeconomic characteristics affecting rain-fed sorghum productivity in Gadarif State, with various degrees. Unlike male-farmers whom they respond significantly to only three independent factors (age (.015; P=.04), education (.29, P=.002) and marital status (.49, P=0001)); sorghum productivity of female farmers was substantially responded to changes of all studied independent variables: age (-0.03; P<.01), education level (-0.05; p<.001), marital status (0.36; P<.001), family members (0.06; P<.01), experience (-0.05; P<.006), and off-farm income (0.0001; P,.04). Accordingly, it is very important to take gender difference in consideration in setting any improvement plans for sorghum productivity in the study area.