Expounding the production and importance of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) in Ethiopia

Abstract

Cowpea is an important legume crop growing across the world mainly in tropical and subtropical regions including Ethiopia. Besides its noticeable production, little is known about its yield, productivity, importance, and distribution in Ethiopia. This review paper aimed to reveal the production and importance of cowpea in Ethiopia. Cowpea is produced in Ethiopia primarily for its edible seeds, pods and the leaves that are used as human food and animal feed, and income provision to households. Its production is practiced under varying cropping systems including sole cropping, intercropping and mixed cropping system. The yield of cowpea has generally remained below the potential of the crop and consistently remained below the world averages as a higher proportion of farm households grow cowpea on marginally fertile and infertile soils. The overall low yield potential of cowpea is mainly attributed to limited attention by research and development programmes, severe attacks of pest complexes, low soil fertility, drought, poor management practices, marketing problems, and poor technology dissemination and popularization. However, Ethiopia has a high potential for the production of various crops, especially cowpea, due to the diverse agroecology and suitability of the country. Moreover, the integration of cowpea with the farming system has significant importance in improving nutrition, soil productivity, feed quality, and withstands the impact of climate change. Therefore, further research strategies, promotion of improved agronomic practices, and successful marketing systems are required to alleviate problems and boost the production of cowpea in Ethiopia.

Keywords

• cowpea
• cropping system
• management practices
• nutrition
• production