AGRONOMIC PERFORMANCE AND LAND PRODUCTIVITY OF SORGHUM–LEGUME INTERCROPPING SYSTEMS UNDER SMALLHOLDER FARMING CONDITIONS IN MIGORI COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Low agricultural productivity in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) of Kenya is largely attributed to monocropping systems, sub-optimal soil and water management, inadequate pest and disease control, and limited use of adapted crop varieties. Integrating climate-resilient crops such as sorghum into diversified cropping systems can greatly enhance sustainable agricultural intensification. This study aimed to: (i) evaluate the performance of sorghum under different intercropping systems and (ii) identify suitable sorghum–legume intercrop combinations using farmer-preferred varieties. On-farm trials were conducted with 16 farmers across five villages (Godkwer, Mukuro, Nyamanga, Nyamaraga, and Waswetta II) in Migori County, Kenya. Farmers selected two improved sorghum varieties (one tall and one short) out of a pool of 8 varieties and two legume crops (beans and groundnut). The crops were grown as sole stands or in intercrop combinations in plots measuring 4 × 3.75 m arranged in RCBD replicated thrice for two seasons. Results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between monocropping and intercropping systems. In all cases sorghum grain yields were higher under sole cropping than in the Mbili intercropping system across both seasons except for varieties Muk 60 and C26 which produced higher yields when intercropped with legumes.  Sorghum grain yield was generally higher in 2024 than in 2025 across most villages, except in Nyamaraga where the opposite trend was observed. In contrast, legume yields were generally higher in 2025 than in 2024 across all sites. There were no significant differences in sorghum performance when intercropped with beans or groundnuts, with mean sorghum yields of 2.03 t ha⁻¹ and 2.02 t ha⁻¹, respectively. Nevertheless, farmers preferred sorghum–bean intercrops due to the earlier maturity of beans, which provides an early food source during the season. The land equivalent ratio (LER) varied significantly (p < 0.05) depending on sorghum variety and legume crop, indicating that appropriate variety selection is critical for maximizing land productivity. Total LER values ranged from 1.33 to 2.06, demonstrating the potential advantage of intercropping in improving land use efficiency and farm productivity. Five farmer-preferred sorghum varieties with LER values between 1.25 and 2.0 were identified as suitable for enhancing income, food availability, and nutritional outcomes. Intercropping systems performed better with dwarf sorghum varieties than with tall varieties. The study demonstrates that sorghum–legume intercropping can enhance land productivity, strengthen resilience, and contribute to improved food and nutrition security in smallholder farming systems.