The conference whose theme was Integrated sorghum and millet sector for improved economic growth and livelihoods in the Eastern and Central Africa (ECA) brought together various actors within the region including: farmers (sorghum and millet producers, researchers (who develop technology), inputs and services providers, merchants and marketers, processors, exporters, policy makers and consumers. The conference was used to review and share research results and experiences on sorghum and millets in the ECA region and make recommendations necessary for commercialization.
The domains emphasized included: (a) increased production and productivity; (b) increased processing and utilization; (c) effective marketing; and (d) implementation of supportive policies. In each of these domains, a keynote paper with broad perspectives of sorghum and millets in ECA was presented followed by specific papers on experiences from a diverse mix of actors. Participants discussed the papers in each domain and made recommendations which can be pursued to further enhance the sorghum and millets sector, and make it more effective in contributing to the region economic growth.