Diagnosis of Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br (L.)] Cultivation Practices in Côte d’Ivoire and Study of the Morphological Diversity of Millet Ears Found in Cultivation Areas

The lack of improved varieties and the decline in millet cultivation in certain regions have led to genetic erosion and a drop in production. This study was conducted to examine various aspects of millet production, highlighting the social, cultural, and agronomic dynamics that influence this crop, and then to characterize the millet ears present in production areas. The results reveal a high prevalence of millet cultivation by men (88%) than women (12%), despite an earlier tradition in which it was mainly associated to women. There is great ethnic diversity among farmers, with agricultural practices and crop preferences varying from one ethnic group to another. The use of agricultural inputs, mainly mineral fertilizers (60%), is widespread, although differences in yields between genders, highlight disparities in farm management (1,420 kg/ha for men vs 745 kg/ha for women). Constraints such as pests, climatic conditions and soil quality are reported as major challenges for millet production. Analysis of the morphological diversity of millet ears revealed a high degree of morphological variability, with four distinct classes identified, pointing the potential for breeding adapted varieties.