Analyses of Cowpea Grains Stored with Purdue Improved Cowpea Storage (PICS) Technology in Madagali Local Government of Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Cowpea is a food security crop and a main source of income for farmers in Nigeria. However, postharvest storage remains a major challenge due to insect pest attack. Infestations impose serious challenge to cowpea storage and negatively affect trade and utilization of cowpea in Nigeria. Purdue Improved Cowpea Storage (PICS) technology provides effective control against these storage pests, thus, allowing farmers to tap into better grain prices during the lean season. The study analysed the gains in cowpea stored with PICS technology in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study include; determining the effect of PICS technology use on cowpea loss and to estimate the returns to cowpea stored with PICS technology. Two hundred and forty (240) respondents were identified and interviewed using networking or snowballing non-random sampling technique. The analytical tools used for the study were the gravimetric (count and weight) method and marketing margin analysis. The result of the study showed that storing with PICS technology reduced weight loss in cowpea by 16.3%, valued at N3, 450 per bag per season. The use of PICS technology gave a higher marketing margin of N11, 297.88/bag with farm-to-retail price spread of 45.5% than N8, 285.83/bag and farm-to-retail price spread of 37.8% in woven bag. The study recommends that, farmers association be used as an avenue to promote and create awareness on the economic benefits of PICS technology.