The production and trade of cowpea is a growing business in West Africa. But a better understanding of consumer preferences is essential to market development. The objective of the study was to determine the impact of cowpea grain quality characteristics on market price. The data for the study were collected from markets in Nigeria, Ghana, and Mali. Hedonic pricing methods provide a statistical estimate of premiums and discounts. The results indicated that cowpea consumers in Ghana, Mali, and Nigeria are willing to pay a premium for large cowpea grains. Bruchid damage is not statistically significant in any market. The impact of price on other cowpea quality characteristics such as skin color and texture and eye color vary locally. Implications for development of the cowpea value chain are as follows: (a) researchers should identify cost-effective ways to increase cowpea grain size because larger grain are preferred and (b) serving local markets requires a portfolio of grain skin and eye color and skin texture combinations. [EconLit citations: Q130]. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The role of Hausa written poetry in the life of Hausa people can never be over-emphasized. Besides leisure, it gives courage, and determination, and leads to a better way of life. It touches almost all aspects of human endeavor, which includes culture, religion, politics, socialization, knowledge, economics, love of one another, peace and conflict resolution, among others. The aim of this paper is to analyze some Hausa written poetry as regards peace and conflict resolution and see how they contribute to drawing people’s attention and educating them on resolution, peacemaking and peacekeeping, and the effects of crisis according to the tradition of Hausa. Therefore, the paper will peep through some selected written verses that address peace and conflict resolution.