Farming systems and production constraints of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean L. Verdc.) in Kano State of Nigeria

Abstract

A baseline survey, using Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) through structured questionnaires was carried out in seven Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kano State, Nigeria to determine production status and production constraints to Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean L. Verdc.) among 150 Bambara groundnut farmers. The local governments were selected purposively based on their importance in Bambara groundnut farming among others. Results revealed that all the respondents were male, married, and were growing Bambara groundnut. Production was largely for home consumption and sell at local markets. Planting materials were local landraces which were grown as pure or mixed seed morpho-types that are diverse in nature due to lack of improved varieties. Common production constraints to producing the crop among the farmers include, lack of improved varieties (71.3%), frequent drought (9.3%), low yields and poor market access were at (4%) each. The lack of improved varieties calls for the improvement of Bambara groundnut landraces for enhanced productivity and solutions to food security issues.