Farmers’ Preferred Genotype Traits and Socio-Economic Factors Influencing the Adoption of Improved Cowpea Varieties in South-Central Niger

Abstract

Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) (Walpers, 1842), is an important legume for food and nutrition security, and income generation. Despite decade-long efforts to disseminate improved varieties, cowpea productivity remains low in Niger. This is due, in part, to the limited adoption of improved cowpea varieties among farmers. Increasing the adoption of improved cowpea varieties requires a better understanding of farmers’ preferred genotype traits and socio-economic factors that influence their decision. We interviewed 634 farmers from the south-central regions (Maradi and Zinder) of Niger to assess factors that influence their decision to adopt improved cowpea varieties. The average age of the respondent was 41 years with 29 years of farming experience. Eight improved cowpea varieties were grown by these farmers with average adoption rates ranging from 3.3 to 38.0%. Genotype traits that influenced farmers’ decision to adopt improved cowpea varieties included early maturing (86.9%), high yielding (73.9%), and high market value (50.5%). Socio-economic factors that significantly influenced adoption were age, gender, membership in a farmers’ organization, and contact with the extension services. Adoption is constrained by the limited availability of cowpea varieties with farmers’ preferred genotypes traits. Farmers’ preferences for genotype traits must be considered in the early stages of breeding programs and the release of new varieties to increase adoption. Stakeholders involved in the cowpea value chain can use this information to improve cowpea adoption and productivity.

Gender trait preferences among smallholder cowpea farmers in northern Ghana: lessons from a case study

“…As observed in Table 2 , most farmers selected grain yield (83.33%), but was preferred by slightly more women (87%) than men (79%). Similar studies have consistently found preference for high grain yield among cowpea farmers (e.g., Rabé et al, 2022 ; Karikari et al, 2023 ; Moussa et al, 2023 ). These studies ( Rabé et al, 2022 ; Karikari et al, 2023 ; Moussa et al, 2023 ), however, assumed preference for traits among producers and end-users to be gender-blind, therefore did not consider trait preferences for both men and women.…”

“…Similar studies have consistently found preference for high grain yield among cowpea farmers (e.g., Rabé et al, 2022 ; Karikari et al, 2023 ; Moussa et al, 2023 ). These studies ( Rabé et al, 2022 ; Karikari et al, 2023 ; Moussa et al, 2023 ), however, assumed preference for traits among producers and end-users to be gender-blind, therefore did not consider trait preferences for both men and women. From the study, the finding that more women preferred pods that grow above the canopy for the reason that such cowpea are easier to harvest confirms ( Ridgeway, 2009 ; Sylla et al, 2023 ) that gender relations fit into social structures that define agricultural tasks.…”

“…From the study, the finding that female respondents were slightly more likely than males to prefer early maturing varieties indicates that women farmers as well, are increasingly becoming conscious of the negative impact of climate change and variability and are willing to adapt. Rabé et al (2022) also found early-maturity as a preferred trait among cowpea farmers in Niger. Unlike this study, Rabé et al (2022) did not look at trait preferences between men and women cowpea farmers.…”

“… Rabé et al (2022) also found early-maturity as a preferred trait among cowpea farmers in Niger. Unlike this study, Rabé et al (2022) did not look at trait preferences between men and women cowpea farmers. These findings are supported by the conclusion of Moussa et al (2023) that farmers’ strategies for tackling climate change and variability in Southern Niger included adopting early maturing varieties with high yield and tolerant to drought, pests, and diseases.…”

Enhancing Cowpea Productivity in the Sahel: Exploring Seed Access among Smallholder Farmers in South-Central Niger

“…For cowpeas, the Maradi region accounts for about half (48.6%) of all certified seeds available in the country, while the Zinder region only represents 5.6% [14]. However, these improved varieties have low average adoption rates in both regions, ranging from 3.3 to 38.0% [15]. The cost of seeds can be a barrier to adoption among smallholder farmers with limited financial resources.…”