Abstract:
In Ethiopia, cowpea is grown in drier pockets of the Rift Valley, and in the eastern
and northeastern part of the country. It is also an important crop in low rainfall areas
of southern especially, in Konso, Derashe, Humbo, Hamerbako, Loka Abaya, Ofa, and
Loma Districts (Reddy and Kidane 1993). The average yield of cowpea was 400 kg
ha-1 from growing local landraces and traditional practices (communication with
agricultural experts) which is comparable to the world average yield (379 kg ha-1) (Mahalakshmi, et al. 2007). Improved varieties, on the other hand, yield 2200–3200
kg ha-1 under rainfed conditions (MoA 2012). Similar to that of West and Central
Africa, cowpea is one of a few legumes which play a vital role in the livelihood of
smallholder farmers and a source of cheaper protein in the dry areas of Oromia,
Amhara, Tigray, Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region, Somali and
Gambella Region. It also provides green or dry fodder feed of high quality straw
(Singh et al. 2003).
Cowpea significantly contributes to the sustainability of cropping systems and soil
fertility improvement in marginal lands by providing ground cover, fixing nitrogen,
and suppressing weeds whereas certain cowpea varieties cause suicidal germination to
Striga hermonthica (Singh et al. 2003) a parasitic weed of crops such as sorghum and
maize. Thus, it is a vital crop in the semi-arid areas of Ethiopia, where other food
legumes do not perform well.
Even though Ethiopia is a secondary center of diversity for cowpea, little is known
about its production, productivity, utilization and distribution of grown
landraces/varieties. Previous studies in cowpea those with cowpea producing countries
in Africa and elsewhere without making any mentions about Ethiopia (Mahalakshmi
et al. 2007). That is because of scantly information available on cowpea production in
Ethiopia. Similarly, lowland Pulse Research Program of the Ethiopian Institute of
Agricultural Research (EIAR), which in charge of with cowpea research in the
country, depends on the imported germplasm. Comprehensive information about
cowpea production, marketing and consumption in Ethiopia was scanty and this work
based on a unique countrywide study of large number of cowpeas growing farm
families.
Considering the potential of cowpea in terms of drought tolerance, compatibility for
intercropping, supply of low cost and quality protein, high potential for income
generation for farmers, information regarding production, marketing and consumption
of the crop is indispensable. At the same time, information about cropping systems,
cultural practices, constraints of production, utilization and benefits are vital in
reformulating breeding and production objectives and making sound decisions for the
improvement of cowpea research and development.