Traditional Production and Utilization of Cowpea in Ethiopia: A Showcase from Two Regional States

Abstract

Ethiopia is believed to be the possible center of genetic diversity for cowpea but littleis known about its production and utilization across diverse agro-ecologies and cultures. This paper is aimed at documenting cowpea production, utilization, variety preference criteria and production  challenges. The data were collected using semistructured questionnaire from 240 farm households in two major cowpea growing regions of  Ethiopia, namely South Nations Nationalities and Peoples and Gambella  regional states. The results showed that cowpea landraces are  predominantly produced for food, market and feed. Preferences for cultivars grown were based on leaf texture, short cooking time, grain texture,  early maturity, seed color, high yield and seed availability. Grain, leaves and green pods of cowpea are used as human food and the straw as animal  feed. Despite multiple constraints faced by cowpea farmers, the level of technological intervention was minimal. Only 3% of the interviewed farmers  responded to receive any information and training about improved cowpea production. Pests, drought, shortage of improved technologies, and  limited extension services were among the major production bottlenecks that deserve research and development focus. Besides, to boost the  production and productivity of cowpea for achieving household food and nutritional security, research and development endeavors need to  capitalize on farmers’ indigenous production and utilization experience.