ASSESSING THE FACTORS INFLUENCING SORGHUM PRODUCTION IN JUR RIVER COUNTY, SOUTH SUDAN

Abstract

Sorghum is a staple crop and a key source of food and income for smallholder farmers in South Sudan, yet its productivity remains low and highly variable due to climatic, institutional, and post-harvest challenges. This study was conducted to assess the factors influencing sorghum production in Jur River County, focusing on weather variability, access to agricultural inputs, extension services, and post-harvest losses, and how these factors affect sorghum yield and household income. The objectives were to examine the effect of weather variability on productivity, to assess the influence of access to improved agricultural inputs, to analyze the role of extension services and adoption of improved practices, and to evaluate the extent of post-harvest losses and their impact on income generation. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, targeting 384 sorghum-farming households selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires and key informant inputs, while secondary data were obtained from meteorological records and institutional reports. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, multiple regression models, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The findings revealed that climatic conditions significantly influenced sorghum yield, with mean temperature showing a strong positive effect (B = 852.53, p < .001). Input access had mixed results: while availability of improved inputs enhanced productivity (B = 630.42, p < .001), improper fertilizer use negatively affected yields. Extension services also showed contrasting effects; while access to extension materials was negatively associated with yield (B = –1,562.96, p < .001), extension worker knowledge and adoption of recommended practices improved productivity (B = 623.38, p = .001; B = 16.58, p < .001). Post-harvest handling strongly influenced household income, with improved storage (B = 2,429.90, p < .001) and better transportation (B = 559.97, p < .001) contributing to higher returns. The study concludes that although sorghum is well adapted to the local environment, inefficiencies in input use, weak extension delivery, and poor post-harvest management limit productivity and income potential. Strengthening farmer access to quality inputs, enhancing context-specific extension services, and improving post-harvest technologies are recommended to improve food security and livelihoods in fragile settings like Jur River County.