Exploiting Genetic Diversity for Adaptation and Mitigation of Climate Change: A Case of Finger Millet in East Africa

Eighty one finger millet germplasm accessions from East Africa were evaluated in eight environments in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda for adaptation and grain yield stability, genotype and genotype x environment (GGE) models. Lanet 2012 long rains, Serere 2012 long rains and Miwaleni 2012 long rains were found to be the most discriminating environments for the low temperature, sub-humid mid-altitude and dry lowland areas, respectively. Seven genotypes were identified for yield stability across the eight environments, whereas nine genotypes had specific adaptation. Fourteen genotypes attained the highest grain yield and had varied maturity, plant heights and grain colour. This will provide farmers the opportunity to select genotypes appropriate to their target agroecologies with desired traits. The East African finger millet germplasm has high potential as a source of climate smart, high yielding genotypes for direct production and/or breeding.