Production Practices, Postharvest Handling, and Quality of Cowpea Seed Used by Farmers in Makueni and Taita Taveta Counties in Kenya

Abstract

Over 80% of farmers in the developing countries use seeds from the informal seed supply that is of unknown quality status with low physical purity, reduced vigour, and contamination with seed-borne pathogens. A survey involving 114 farmers was conducted in Makueni and Taita counties using a semistructured questionnaire to determine cowpea production practices. Forty-seven cowpea seed samples were collected from farmers, and thirty-four were collected from markets and analysed for physical and physiological quality. The data from the questionnaire were analysed using SPSS package. Majority, over 76% of farmers used farm-saved seeds and intercropped cowpea with cereals (56%). The common storage container was polythene bags (56%), and farmers did not treat the seeds. The seed was below the recommended purity standard of 98%. In Taita, farm-saved and market-sourced seeds met the recommended 75% germination at 82.7% and 76.8%, respectively. Even though the germination standard was met, seeds were of low physical purity and reduced vigour. Farmers should be enlightened on recommended production practices, methods of harvesting, and postharvest handling practices to reduce seed quality loss during storage and maximize production.

Genetic Diversity among Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) Landraces Suggests Central Mozambique as an Important Hotspot of Variation

“…Seed exchange is a common practice between African farmers of neighboring areas [50] and could explain the specific genetic cluster found in the isolated accessions of South Manica that show no admixture with the remaining ones. It is economical unfeasible for seed companies to distribute small amounts of seeds over long rural distances in Africa, and therefore, certified, commercial seeds do not reach the farmers [51].…”

“…In addition, certified seeds are generally expensive, and farmers are unwilling to buy them at a cost twice (or more) that of grain [51]. Nonetheless, continuous recycling of seeds results in poor grain yields [50], highlighting the importance of conserving wild accessions and their seed stock.…”

Design Of An Improved Traditional African Granary: Literature Review

“…According to a research paper by Mary W. Njonjo, et al, ( 2019). titled "Production Practices, Postharvest Handling, and Quality of Cowpea Seed Used by Farmers in Makueni and Taita Taveta…”

“…The areas which have abandoned the traditional African granary to high percentage witness greater loss of crop due to post harvest poor practices that lead to high crop loss. (Mary W. Njonjo, 2019). Modern technologies used to preserve cereals after harvest have proven to be good on theory and scientific laboratories but impractical on the ground.…”

“…Source: Statistics On The Use Of The African Granary By Rural Households In Kenya,(Mary W. Njonjo, 2019).…”