| dc.description.abstract | Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) is an important subsistence cereal grown
mainly in the relatively dry areas of Western and Lake Basin regions of
Kenya. The cereal is traditionally used for making foods like thin porridge
(Uji), stiff porridge (Ugali) and local brew (Busaa).
This paper presents the situation regarding production, processing
and utilization of finger millet in Kenya. Information was obtained through
a review of the existing literature supplemented by informal interviews
with some farmers. agricultural extension officers, researchers, grain merchants.
market traders millers.
The production figures between 1974 and 1989 showed a general
decline for finger millet production in the country. Factors contributing
to the decline in production include competition with other enterprises at
the farm level. Marketing organization anJ commercial utilization of finger
millet are not as developed as other cereals such as maize and wheat.
There is a potential to increase preJuction and utilization of finger
millet ill Kenya. To realize this potential, research work to increase yield
and food quality needs to be supported and strengthened. An efficient
marketing system needs to be developed and the use of finger millet in
commercial food products needs to be explored and developed. | en |
