Global perspectives on sorghum production: A SPAR-4-SLR framework of its role, trends, and climate-resilient strategies

Sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) remains a crucial crop for food security and livelihood resilience in arid and semi-arid regions, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and parts of Latin America. This study reviews existing literature to identify thematic and geographical gaps in sorghum research, focusing on climate adaptation, farmer-led practices, input systems, and institutional dynamics. The goal is to critically analyze patterns in adaptation strategies, production challenges, and future research directions that affect sorghum sustainability amid changing environmental and socio-economic conditions. A systematic review method was used, analyzing peer-reviewed studies. Key themes identified include agronomic adaptation (e.g., adjusted sowing times, broad bed furrow systems), genetic diversity across ecological zones, policy barriers, and innovations in disease management. The findings reveal regional differences in research focus, with limited long-term data from the Middle East, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Interdisciplinary studies remain few, especially those linking climate projections with behavioural adoption of technologies. Improvements in soil water retention with broad bed furrows, along with yield declines under delayed sowing, demonstrate viable adaptation options. The study underscores the importance of localized, farmer-centred innovations, better institutional coordination, and region-specific data collection. Promoting a research agenda that combines agronomy, policy, and social factors can strengthen sorghum’s future amid rising climate uncertainty and support scalable, inclusive agricultural development strategies. • Review reveals major gaps in sorghum adaptation research across regions. • Farmer-led practices offer context-specific climate adaptation solutions. • Broad bed furrows improve soil moisture and sorghum yield stability. • Limited studies link climate models with technology adoption behaviour. • Call for integrated agronomic, policy, and social research approaches.