Sorghum improvement in the SADC/ICRISAT Sorghum and Millet Improvement Program (SMIP) has used a regional, collaborative, multidisciplinary approach since its inception. In the 15-year period from 1983/84 to 1997/98, improved varieties and hybrids were developed, widely tested, and released in eight SADC countries. Breeding, crop protection, and crop management research focused on drought tolerance, early maturity, grain and fodder productivity, and resistance to downy mildew, leaf blight, sooty stripe, and Striga. We also evaluated the grain for food, malting, and feed qualities.