Preserving or Poisoning: A Case of Dried-Beans from Nigeria

Abstract

Beans (Vigna unguiculata) are commonly known as the cowpea, black-eyed pea, catjang, china-pea, cow-gram or southern-peas that were mainly grown in the tropics and subtropics regions. Globally, beans are great source of protein for human, and are found in curry dishes, cooked with rice, in desserts or as paste. This is a popular legume grown in Nigeria which were mainly dried and stored for either local consumption or traded and exported to various countries around the world, especially the European Union. Nigeria was among the leading beans exporting nation of the world. Since 2013, the EU has placed temporary import suspension on dried-beans originating from Nigeria due to the discovery of higher pesticides residue found in them (between 0.03mg/kg and 4.6mg/kg). This study assesses the key techniques used in preserving dried-beans in Nigeria. Based on the qualitative nature of the data involved, the study employed survey research design that depend on in-depth interview with open ended questions and personal observations. This study discovered that high illiteracy among the dried-beans merchants and storekeepers lead to direct application of various toxic pesticide in high doses onto the dried-beans with a sole intention of protection from pest. The study finally recommends the provision modern grain storing facilities.