scholarly journals Ethnobotanical Study of Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata (L.) Walp.) in Senegal

Author(s):  
Awa Sarr ◽  
Amy Bodian ◽  
Mame Codou Gueye ◽  
Badara Gueye ◽  
Ghislain Kanfani ◽  
...  

Abstract Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) plays a key role in family farming systems in Senegal. It makes an essential contribution to economic, nutritional and food security. Although it is crucial, little is known about how farmers classify the diversity of local varieties or about the social practices associated with them. The aim of this study is to characterize the farming practices associated with growing cowpea in Senegal. Surveys were conducted involving 335 rural farmers living in 37 villages, spread across seven regions that produce cowpea. An average of ten farmers were randomly selected in each village. The results reveal that cowpea is a key feature of cropping systems in the studied area. Our findings highlight the high diversity of local cowpea varieties with 59 local names inventoried. In 75% of cases, the name refers to the seed’s morphology or color. Cowpea production is more diverse in Diourbel and Louga and less diverse in the south. More than half the farmers (57%) acquired their cowpea seeds (early, semi-early and late varieties) outside their village, either from markets, seed suppliers or NGOs. This new understanding of farmers’ expertise in the management of cowpea and its local variability will help to valorise local diversity in breeding programmes.

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saba Baba Mohammed ◽  
Daniel Kwadjo Dzidzienyo ◽  
Muhammad Lawan Umar ◽  
Mohammad Faguji Ishiyaku ◽  
Pangirayi Bernard Tongoona ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Low plant density and wide intra-plant spacing in traditional cowpea cropping systems are among the factors responsible for low yield on farmers’ fields. Sole cropping and improved intercropping systems have been advocated in the last few years to increase yield in the dry savannah areas of Nigeria. This study investigated the level of adoption of high yielding cowpea cropping systems including factors that influenced their use and farmers’ perceived production constraints and preferences. A total of 420 farmers across 36 villages of northern Nigeria were interviewed, and data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics to appraise farmers predominant cowpea cropping systems and factors that determine the use of sole versus intercropping were identified with the aid of binary logit regression. Furthermore, pairwise comparison ranking was deployed to understand farmers’ view of cowpea production constraints and preferred traits. Results The results revealed that, many of the farmers (42%) still grow cowpeas in the traditional intercropping and a good number (25%) cultivate the crop as a sole crop, while 23% had fields of cowpeas in both sole and intercropping systems. Farmers reported the incidence of high insect pests, limited access to land, desire to have multiple benefits, and assurance in the event of crop failure as reasons for preference for intercropping over sole planting. The pairwise comparison ranking of constraints and preferences revealed insect pests, Striga, drought and poor access to fertilizers as major constraints to increased productivity. Many farmers indicated high yield as the most preferred trait. Conclusions Findings indicate a need for increased education and training of cowpea farmers on the importance of growing cowpeas in sole cropping and or improved intercropping systems. Genetic improvement efforts should focus on developing cowpea varieties that address farmers production constraints and reflect the diversity of consumers’ preferences for the crop. Hence, breeding for resistance to insect pests and high yield is recommended as an important priority of cowpea breeding programmes in the region.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (02) ◽  
pp. 17509-17528
Author(s):  
A Timitey ◽  
◽  
L Adinsi ◽  
YE Madodé ◽  
F Cissé ◽  
...  

In West Africa, cowpea is processed into several end-products among which the most consumed in Mali is a steamed granulated product known as cowpea couscous or Shô basi, in Bambara. Organoleptic properties ofShô basi are variable, probably as a consequence of the diversity of the practices of production. This study aims at determining these practices, their constraints and the physico-chemical characteristics of Shô basi as sold on Malian markets. A survey using focus group discussions, and involving eighteen (18) Shô basi production cooperatives, each gathering 8 to 32 members, was conducted in South Mali. The information collected was related to cowpea varieties used for production, flow diagrams, constraints of production, and quality criteria of the end-products. Eighteen (18) Shô basi samples were collected from the interviewed groups and used for the determination of the physical and chemical properties of Shô basi. Results showed that most of the processors were married, non or moderately literate and aged between 20 and 59 years women. The main cowpea varieties used for the production are sangaraka and wilibali, both from the species Vigna unguiculata. Both varieties of cowpea are characterized by a white or cream color. Shô basi is produced using a single process with two major technological variants. One involves a wet total dehulling (VDT), whereas the second involves a dry partial dehulling (VDP) of cowpea seeds. Regardless of the technological variant and cowpea variety used, interviewees indicated that a good qualityShô basi must have a light color, a soft mouthfeel texture, a homogeneous granule size and lacking beany flavor. Protein(25,0g/100g) and polyphenol (24,3mg/100g)contents as well as swelling level were similar for Shô basi from both variants. However, Shô basi from technology involving partial dehulling (VDP) was less bright, richer in fiber and minerals, and contained more fine granules thanShô basi involving whole dehulling(VDT). Cowpea dehulling, flour granulation, steam cooking and drying are the mean constraints for quality standardization and large-scale production of Shô basi in Mali.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saba Baba Mohammed ◽  
Daniel Kwadjo Dzidzienyo ◽  
Muhammad Lawan Umar ◽  
Mohammad Faguji Ishiyaku ◽  
Pangirayi Bernard Tongoona ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Low plant density and wide intra-plant spacing in traditional cowpea cropping systems are among factors responsible for low yield on farmers' fields. Sole cropping and improved intercropping systems have been advocated in the last few years, to increase yield in the northern guinea savannah of Nigeria. This study investigated the level of adoption of high yielding cowpea cropping systems including factors that influenced their use, and assessed farmers' perceived production constraints and preferences. A total of 420 farmers across 36 villages of northern Nigeria were interviewed, and data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics to appraise farmers predominant cowpea cropping systems and factors that determine the use of sole vis-à-vis intercropping were identified with the aid binary logit regression. Furthermore, pairwise comparison ranking was deployed to understand farmers' view of cowpea production constraints and preferred traits. Results: The results revealed that many farmers (42%) still grow cowpeas in the traditional intercropping and a good number (25%) cultivate the crop as a sole crop, while 23% had fields of cowpeas in sole and intercropping systems. Farmers reported the incidence of high insect pests, limited access to land, desire to have multiple benefits, and insurance in the event of crop failure as reasons for preference for mixed intercropping over sole planting. The pairwise comparison ranking of constraints and preferences revealed insect pests, Striga, drought and poor access to fertilizers as major constraints to increased production, while many farmers indicated high yield as the most preferred trait. Conclusions: Findings from the study indicated a need for increased education and training of cowpea farmers on the importance of growing cowpeas in sole cropping and or improved intercropping systems. Genetic improvement efforts should focus on developing cowpea varieties that address farmers production constraints and reflect the diversity of consumers' preferences for the crop. Hence, breeding for resistance to insect pests and high yield is recommended as an important priority of cowpea breeding programmes in the region.


2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Federica Zanetti ◽  
Barbara Alberghini ◽  
Ana Marjanović Jeromela ◽  
Nada Grahovac ◽  
Dragana Rajković ◽  
...  

AbstractPromoting crop diversification in European agriculture is a key pillar of the agroecological transition. Diversifying crops generally enhances crop productivity, quality, soil health and fertility, and resilience to pests and diseases and reduces environmental stresses. Moreover, crop diversification provides an alternative means of enhancing farmers’ income. Camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz) reemerged in the background of European agriculture approximately three decades ago, when the first studies on this ancient native oilseed species were published. Since then, a considerable number of studies on this species has been carried out in Europe. The main interest in camelina is related to its (1) broad environmental adaptability, (2) low-input requirements, (3) resistance to multiple pests and diseases, and (4) multiple uses in food, feed, and biobased applications. The present article is a comprehensive and critical review of research carried out in Europe (compared with the rest of the world) on camelina in the last three decades, including genetics and breeding, agronomy and cropping systems, and end-uses, with the aim of making camelina an attractive new candidate crop for European farming systems. Furthermore, a critical evaluation of what is still missing to scale camelina up from a promising oilseed to a commonly cultivated crop in Europe is also provided (1) to motivate scientists to promote their studies and (2) to show farmers and end-users the real potential of this interesting species.


2012 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Drew J. Lyon ◽  
Gary W. Hergert

AbstractOrganic farming systems use green and animal manures to supply nitrogen (N) to their fields for crop production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of green manure and composted cattle manure on the subsequent winter wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) crop in a semiarid environment. Dry pea (Pisum sativumL.) was seeded in early April and terminated at first flower in late June. Composted cattle manure was applied at 0, 11.2 or 22.5 Mg ha−1just prior to pea termination. Winter wheat was planted in mid September following the green manure or tilled summer fallow. No positive wheat response to green manure or composted cattle manure was observed in any of the 3 years of the study. In 2 of the 3 years, wheat yields and grain test weight were reduced following green manure. Green manure reduced grain yields compared with summer fallow by 220 and 1190 kg ha−1in 2009 and 2010, respectively. This may partially be explained by 40 and 47 mm less soil water at wheat planting following peas compared with tilled summer fallow in 2008 and 2009, respectively. Also, in 2008 and 2009, soil nitrate level averaged 45 kg ha−1higher for black fallow compared with green manure fallow when no compost was added. Organic growers in the semiarid Central Great Plains will be challenged to supply N fertility to their winter wheat crop in a rapid and consistent manner as a result of the inherently variable precipitation. Growers may need to allow several years to pass before seeing the benefits of fertility practices in their winter wheat cropping systems.


2011 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
MVBM Siqueira

In Brazil current studies and investments on yams are incipient. Similarly, the literature in recent decades lacks adequate information on this group of plants. The existing literature, on its turn, requires more than ever to be revised and organized. Yams have joined the so-called "neglected" group of crops for several reasons, but particularly because they are associated with poor and traditional communities. Many vegetables introduced in Brazil during the colonization period have adapted to different cropping systems, yams being an excellent example. This diversity resulted very widespread, yet poorly recognized in the country. In turn, the gardens using traditional farming systems continue to maintain and enhance yam local varieties. Studies from other countries, with an emphasis on characterization and genetic breeding, brought to light an urgent need for Brazil to invest in yams as a food rich in carbohydrates, even to the point of alterations in food public policy. Reversal of the yam's current stigma is both a challenge to the scientific community and to the population as a whole. This paper aims to raise pertinent questions about Dioscorea species, an important key group for many communities in tropical countries, yet still unrecognized as so in Brazil.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 36-42
Author(s):  
M. S. Dagari ◽  
Mohammed Salisu Musa

The effects of calcium hydrogen phosphate on lead (Pb) uptake by cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) were investigated in a growth chamber experiment coupled with atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) and colorimetry analyses. Cowpea seeds were planted and harvested in soil samples treated with Pb+2 added as lead nitrate at the rates of 0, 1000 and 3000 mg/kg followed by calcium hydrogen phosphate (CaHPO4) at 0, 10, 50 and 250 mg/kg. Increases in shoot yield brought about by phosphate fertilization were observed to oppress the shoot lead concentration as a result of growth dilution, where the actual amount of lead in shoots was unaffected by phosphate treatment. This work revealed that there is no substantial effect on lead uptake by cowpea, as a result of phosphate fertilization. Therefore, phosphate fertilization is a good means of cowpea production with minimal lead uptake and hence safe for human consumption


Author(s):  
Firdoz Shahana ◽  
M. Goverdhan ◽  
S. Sridevi ◽  
B. Joseph

A field experiment was conducted during 2016-17 at AICRP on Integrated Farming Systems, Regional Sugarcane and Rice Research Station, Rudrur to diversify existing rice-rice cropping system with less water requiring crops under irrigated dry conditions for vertisols of Northern Telangana Zone. The experiment was laid out with twelve cropping systems as treatments in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The twelve combinations of cropping systems tested during kharif and rabi seasons were rice – rice (check), maize + soybean (2:4) – tomato, maize + soybean (2:4) - rice, maize - sunflower + chickpea (2:4), maize - chickpea, Bt cotton + soybean (1:2) on broadbed – sesame + groundnut (2:4), Bt cotton - sesame + blackgram (2:4), soybean – wheat, soybean – sunflower + chickpea (2:4), turmeric – sesame, turmeric + soybean (1:2) on flat bed – bajra and turmeric + soybean (1:2) on broadbed – sesame + blackgram (2:4). On system basis, significantly higher productivity in terms of rice equivalent yield (REY) of 23830 kg ha-1 was recorded with turmeric+soybean (1:2) BBF– sesame+blackgram (2:4) turmeric – sesame cropping sequence. However it was on par with turmeric – sesame and turmeric + soybean (1:2) on flat bed – bajra crop sequence with productivity of 23332 kg ha-1 and 21389 kg ha-1 respectively. Lower productivity was recorded with rice-rice cropping system (10725 kg ha-1). Significantly higher system net returns were recorded with Bt. cotton – sesame + black gram (2:4) on BBF (Rs222838 ha-1) closely followed by Bt Cotton + Soybean (1:2) (BBF) - Sesamum + Groundnut (2:4) (Rs221160 ha-1) and Maize+soybean (2:4)–tomato (Rs212909 ha-1). Lower system net returns were recorded in conventional rice-rice system (Rs88179 ha-1). Bt. cotton – sesame + black gram (2:4) and Bt Cotton + Soybean (1:2) (BBF)- Sesamum + Groundnut ((2:4) and Maize+soybean (2:4)–tomato were economically superior with REE of 152.71%, 150.81% and 141.45%. Rice- Rice cropping adopted by majority of farmers is less productive and economically inferior indicating wider scope of diversifying existing rice- rice cropping system with high productive, economically viable cropping systems in vertisols of Northern Telangana Zone.


Author(s):  
Rabirou Kassali ◽  
Abayomi Yusuf Oyewale ◽  
Olufemi Adedotun Yesufu

Analysis of consumer preferences for cowpea varieties in Osun State was carried out with a view to identifying attributes that determine price variation among cowpea varieties and the effect on consumer’s willingness to pay for those varieties. A multistage sampling technique was used to randomly select 240 respondents for the study, comprising 180 cowpea consumers and 60 retailers. Primary data were collected on cowpea varieties, their attributes and the consumer’s willingness to pay for cowpea varieties using well structured questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that out of thirteen varieties found in the area, only nine varieties of cowpea were common in the market. The quality of each variety differs which explained variation in their price. In terms of preference the Oloyin variety is preferred most by 78% of consumers. Weevil resistance had the highest rank among the cowpea attributes. Oloyin had the highest WTP followed by Milk and Drum with ₦303, ₦237 and ₦213 per kg, respectively. Hedonic pricing methods provide a statistical estimate of premiums and discounts for cowpea attributes. Results indicated that weevil resistance was the most important attribute to consumer. Cowpeas with weevil damage tolerance, brown colour, large grain size and short cooking time commanded price premium for almost all the varieties. The consumer discounted prices for insect damage, small size, white colour, smooth skin and grain colour mixed together. The study concludes on the need for breeders and research institutes to incorporate these cowpea attributes that attracted price premium into their cowpea breeding programmes.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document