DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sajb.2026.v14i02.001

Pages: 159-168

The root-parasitic plant Striga is the most economically significant weed in rain-fed agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa, infesting pearl millet, sorghum, and other cereal crops. Infestation by the root-parasitic weed Striga is one of the major biotic constraints to the production of key agricultural crops in the regions. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze anthropigical activities related to Striga hermonthica. In Niger five regions, examining their implications for infestation control. A significant number of farmers 25 to 40 per village, depending on availability were surveyed without gender-based selection criteria across Niger five regions, Dosso, Maradi, Tahoua, Tillabéry, and Zinder. Chi-square tests were used to assess associations among various categorical variables, while Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was employed to explore correlations and reduce data dimensionality. In this investigation, 93% of respondents reported that their fields are infested by Striga. Nine local methods were identified as Striga control methods, with statistically significant differences in their perceived effectiveness. Further analysis of faming practices identified several key factors contributing to Striga proliferation: insufficient organic matter and mineral fertilizer inputs, inadequate manual weeding of Striga plants (often late or incomplete), and a strong reliance on traditional local seeds to the detriment of resistant improved varieties. The findings therefore, highlight the urgent need for an integrated approach that closely associates researchers, farmers, and policymakers to develop and implement sustainable Striga control strategies. The implementation of these concerted solutions could not only significantly reduce Striga infestation but also sustainably improve agriculture productivity and strengthen the resilience of production systems against multiple environmental stresses.