S. Sangare , M. Coulibaly , I. Doumbia , O. Sanogo , O. Kwadwo , V. Gracen Zea mays, farmer’s perceptions, Striga, varietal preference 37-46 4 (1) 2020 January, 2020 Participatory rural appraisal (PRA) is a way to consider farmers’ and other stakeholders’ perceptions in the development of new technologies including breeding methods and new varieties. Maize is a staple food for most farmers in Mali and is grown in almost all agro-ecological zones. The production of this crop faces several constraints. Focus group discussions and individual interviews using questionnaire were conducted in 6 villages in Bancoumana and Kolokani, two districts of Koulikoro region in Mali to determine the relative importance of Striga in relation to the maize production constraints and to lay the groundwork for breeding Striga resistant maize. Scoring and ranking techniques were used to assess farmers’ preferences and constraints. A greater percentage 80% and 70% of responding farmers in Bancoumana and Kolokani, respectively, thought Striga is destructive to crops, while 70 % of the responding farmers in Kolokani linked Striga to low soil fertility. Farmers mostly grow local landraces of maize which are chosen for their taste and maturity. Uprooting and removing are Striga control measures used in both districts. Maize production is seriously limited by declining soil fertility, Striga hermonthica, and high cost of fertilizer. High grain yield, earliness and resistance to Striga are traits preferred by farmers.