Participatory varietal selection among elite cowpea genotypes in northern Namibia

Abstract

The objective of this study was to select cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] varieties that meet farmers' needs in Namibia, from a set of newly developed and elite cowpea varieties developed through gamma irradiation. Thirty four candidate mutant cowpea varieties derived from three local varieties, (Shindimba, Bira and Nakare), were evaluated for nine agronomic traits. The new genotypes descended from Bira were favourably selected by all participants for their best plant cover. The genotype L1P12 (Bi450) was preferred by 81 percent percent of farmers for its higher pod setting ability. The genotype R4P5 (Nk150) with longer pod size and R3P1 (Bi600) with early maturity were ideal candidates preferred by nearly all farmers. The present study has identified farmers' most-preferred cowpea varieties selected for their best agronomic performances and drought tolerance. These selected cowpea genotype lines will further be subjected to distinct, uniformity and stability trials for varietal registration and release.

Performance and Farmers Participatory Selection of Cowpea Varieties in Southern Ethiopia

“…The farmers' selection criteria were slightly different from those of researchers in that the earlier included traits such as good taste, seed size, short cooking ability, and seed color. Current investigation confirms the observation by Horn et al (2017) and Abadassi (2015) that farmers' perception about cowpea varieties is not always the same as researchers' and if given the opportunity, farmers can express their preferences differently. FPW= =all farmers pairwise preference rank; FDM= all farmers direct matrix preference rank, RR=Researchers rank; a Spearman rank correlation coefficient (r) between all farmers using the pairwise method and crop harvest results (grain yield); b rs rank correlation coefficient (rs) between all farmers preference using direct matrix method and researchers measured grain yield; c spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rs) between two ranking methods; WWT =white wonderer trailing (standard check).…”

“…Selection of farmer acceptable varieties with better adaptability through a participatory methodology is an essential approach to meet the actual needs of the farmers in south Ethiopia. Close cooperation between research scientists and farmers in the testing of varieties could enable the identification of crop genotypes preferred by farmers for large-scale production or targeted breeding (Horn et al, 2017). A participatory approach improves the adoption of improved technologies and farmers' knowledge and empowers traditional knowledge and innovations to be included in the research (Orawu et al, 2013).…”

“…In this sense, farmers' knowledge of the selection of suitable varieties for their lands, climate, and other social conditions should be considered in the varietal improvement programs. Horn et al (2017) on elite cowpea genotypes have shown that farmers involvement in research enable farmers to select new and promising varieties for their areas based on larger seed size, white grain color, high pod setting ability, insect pest tolerance, early maturity, longer pod size, drought tolerance, high biomass and pod yields. Therefore, participatory variety selection is considered to be a friendly approach to the identification and dissemination of new improved varieties with preferred traits to the societies (Thapa et al, 2009).…”

Improvement in cowpea variety Videza for traits of extra earliness and higher seed yield

“…Furthermore, Horn et al. (2017) found four mutants with widespread adaption in Namibia at M7 and radiated four elite cowpea cultivars there.…”