Cowpea production constraints on smallholders’ farms in Maradi and Zinder regions, Niger

Abstract

Cowpea production in Niger is constrained by biotic and abiotic factors that lead to lower yields and incomes for smallholder farmers. For decades now, efforts have been made to improve cowpea production, including the development and release of improved varieties that are high yielding and resistant or tolerant to pests and diseases. The present study assessed cowpea production constraints on 584 smallholders’ farms in Maradi and Zinder regions of Niger. Estimated parameters consisted of farm size, varieties used and pests and disease prevalence. We found that the average farm size for both regions was 2.10 ha. Local varieties (63%) and IT90K 372-1-2 (30.5%), an improved variety released 25 years ago, were the most-cultivated cowpea varieties. Two recently introduced varieties were planted on less than 4% of fields. Cowpea was grown in association with millet and sorghum on 96.6% of fields. Average cowpea yield for both regions was 253.4 kg ha−1. Five major insect pests and the plant parasite Striga, identified as major production constraints, were negatively correlated with cowpea yields. Diseases were significantly and negatively associated with cowpea yields. To increase cowpea productivity, there is a need to develop and/or promote adapted high-yielding varieties, and to disseminate good agricultural practices to minimize the incidence of pests and diseases.