Dissemination of Agro-meteorological Advisory Service using Sorghum Forage Farming for Crisis Resolution and Food Security in Taraba State: Case Study of Ardo-Kola and Bali LGAs

Sorghum forage farming could be expanded to marginal areas where water resources are limited. In this need assessment study, GIS capability was used to produce land suitability map for sorghum forage farming integrating spatial and biophysical attribute data. In addition to experimental plots in the study areas using suitable cultural practices and AAS, collection of 21 soil samples in a systematic, georeferenced soil survey was made. Spatial overlay of soil site characteristics, slope and rainfall, was performed to reveal marginal lands, as well as other non-productive lands clusters that has a potential to grow sorghum forage. A total of 11 genotypes of Sorghum varieties were acquired from IAR Zaria beside the local var (Jalingo Dawa) for the experimentation. Prior to farmer field school on green and brown days, was a radio broadcast of the idea of Agro-meteorological Advisory Service and the benefits to the farmer-headers in the state. Results reveal that Bali and Ardo-Kola has a lot of unused and marginal lands, as well as other non-productive lands clusters. 7.4 % (16761.3hectares) and 17.2% (157380.7 hectares) which falls within the slope range greater than 10% can be foraged in Ardo Kola and Bali respectively. SFF given the chance, can overcome the scarcity of forage in Bali and Ardo- Kola LGAs. It can be concluded that, SFF can stand heavy grazing, reduce animal roaming, encourage ranching and eliminate farmers-herders crisis when blended with AAS.