Cow Pea Production Training and Extension Manual

Abstract

Cowpea Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is believed to have originated in Africa where a large genetic diversity of wild types occur throughout the continent, particularly southern Africa, however the greatest genetic diversity of cultivated cowpea is found in West Africa. In Kenya, cowpea is an important source of proteins consumed in many households. It is consumed in the form of whole dried seeds or leaves. Cowpea is grown as a green leafy vegetable mainly in Western Kenya and for grain mainly in the dry lands of Eastern, Coast and Nyanza regions. Cowpea grown as a vegetable requires rich soils and high rainfall. In contrast, cowpea grown for grain requires low rainfall and high temperature. 85% of total area under cowpea production in the eastern region of Kenya, is under intercropping systems with maize and or cassava. Cowpea rank second to beans in importance as vegetable protein food crops. The production is mainly at subsistence level by small-holder farmers with low input. The crop is mainly grown by smallholder farmers. However, pests and diseases are major constraints in cowpea production in Kenya. Accuracy in pest and disease identification are important for proper management making it necessary to build the capacity of extension officers and small holder farmers in pest and disease management in orderto minimize losses.