This study was initiated to develop information for use in breeding improved pearl millet genotypes for Namibia. A select group of farmers was encouraged to participate in on-station evaluation of varieties under test. Each variety was assessed separately, and both negative and positive characters were recorded. Five pearl millet varieties which were found promising in the Namibian national pearl millet trial of 1992/93 were sown at the Omahenene Research Station during 1993/94 for evaluation of farmer preferences for plant and grain traits. The five varieties were evaluated against the farmers' local landrace variety (LLV) and Okashana 1. Based on farmers' experience, 15 highly preferred plant and grain traits were recorded. Each of the five experimental varieties was assessed for these traits and compared with the farmers' LLV and Okashana 1. The study concluded that early maturity, grain size, and resistance to drought are the most preferred traits for pearl millet under Namibian growing conditions. The most preferred grain trait was palatability, followed by ease of processing (threshability, dehulling, and grinding to make flour). Varieties SDMV 92040 and SDMV 90016 were identified as satisfying most farmer requirements. These varieties were as short-duration and drought-tolerant as Okashana 1, produced a better tasting product, and were easier to dehull and grind into flour. They were also superior to the farmers' LLV in all these aspects.