Informations et ressources scientifiques
sur le développement des zones arides et semi-arides

Conseil Ouest et Centre africain pour la recherche et le développement agricoles (CORAF/WECARD)

Titre : Enhancing cowpea productivity and income for sustainable livelihood of resource-poor farmers.

Référence : SC/05/CP/USAID/2010-13/

Région/Pays : Afrique de l’Ouest

Durée : 2010-2013

Contexte
Cowpea is a key crop for resource poor farmers and rural women in subsistence farming systems in these areas as it performs well under low resource endowment. In addition, alternative crops are not directly available. The crop has a high potential for both food and nutritional security and rural poverty reduction because of it high protein content and the market value of grains. Cowpea residues are an important fodder resource for small ruminants. As a legume, it contributes to soil fertility through its nitrogen fixing abilities. The willingness of farmers to cultivate cowpea is clearly shown by all production and market trends in the region. Cowpea production has been growing over the last 15 years in all Sahelian countries and cowpea grains became gradually also a cash crop. Currently, cowpea production in Africa amounts to approximately 2.5 million tons and is cultivated on more than 8 million hectares.

Résultats attendus
Technologies and innovations to enhance cowpea productivity promoted ; Cowpea technologies and innovations are identified and disseminated ; Innovation platforms created ; Actors’ capacity strengthened ; Access to inputs market information and cowpea product enhanced

Coordination : IER Mali

Partenaires : Burkina Faso Institut de l’Environnement et de Recherches Agricoles Benin Institut National des Recherches Agricoles du Benin Sierra Leone Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute Ghana Council for Scientific and Industrial Research

Financement
Source : USAID
Montant : 600 000 ($) CORAF