Cowpea

Food (grain), fodder, soil fertility (legume) and local trade.

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Cowpea

Overview

Food (grain), fodder, soil fertility (legume) and local trade.

Varieties

CBC2, CBC3, CBC4, IT18

Suitable zones

Well adapted to low-rainfall and marginal areas (Natural Regions III-V).

Production and inputs

  • Seed & inputs: Seed rate 25-40 kg/ha; minimal fertilizer, attention to inoculation.
  • Typical yield: 0.5-1.2 t/ha depending on variety and rainfall.
  • Common pests & diseases: Pod borers, aphids, bacterial blight; use timely agronomy.
  • Post-harvest storage: Dry grain to safe moisture and protect from pests.

Markets & economics

Moderate; mainly domestic/regional markets, with niche export demand.

Indicative price: $900 / MT (indicative) — Local market reports (indicative)

GDP potential: Important for food security and household income in marginal zones.