English - McKnight Foundation Collaborative Crop Research Program

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McKnight Foundation Collaborative Crops Research Project No: 06-741 cowpea products based on the training made by the project and shared this with participants (Figure 1). In addition, the project team participated at a national agriculture fair, alongside the Crop Science Department. Again, the focus of the exhibit was of utilization. The exhibits attracted a lot of attention from participants. Figure 1. Farmer group displays of cowpea recipes (left) and cross section of participants (right) at ADD – wide show in Lilongwe. 4.3 Group dynamics training for farmers in Ngwangwa Group dynamics training was conducted for all the farmers in the two participating villages in Mgwangwa. The training was conducted in August 2009. The training was provided on group leadership and operation. This group strengthening included membership and responsibilities, constitution, networking and fund raising to sustain the groups. 4.4 Workshops on cowpea market value chain Cowpea market value chain workshops were conducted in Lilongwe and Zomba in August 2009. These workshops were held following the conclusion of a market survey. As per project document, the, meetings were held to bring together representatives of cowpea producers, middlemen and traders. The objective was to link producers better to the market and identifies increased marketing opportunities. There were lead presentations made by project team theme leaders as follows:- a) a presentation on cowpea production trends, production requirements, cowpea agronomy, potential yields reasons for low yields in Malawi and cowpea storage Mr E. Mazuma; b) a presentation on cowpea utilization, including nutritional value, processing of leaves and grain, utilization as animal feed by Dr Mangwela and c) presentation on cowpea preferences and marketing by Mr Thabie Chilongo. At both venues there were representatives of farmers, government extension, NGO’s, agricultural input suppliers, traders and researchers. The workshop revealed that there are six big business traders who buy cowpea seeds (ADMARC, Rab Processors, Mulli Brothers, Agora, Grain Traders Association, and Transglobe). Many of them placed emphasis on large seeded grain types as preferences. A representative of ADMARC indicated that this season they have been instructed to buy large seeded cowpea only. The traders acknowledged that they don’t buy much cowpea, but that the markets were small as well thus can satisfy it. Some cowpea is sold locally (for cakes and cookie making) while most of it is exported. However, it was noted that most of the cowpeas are traded in local markets with no clear records on volumes and quality requirements. At the meetings we displayed a draft version of our booklet on cowpea production and utilization. The participants demanded speedy release of this book. The nutrition officers collected the draft copies for immediate use. The workshops also noted that there are many reasons for variety choice amongst 40 2009
McKnight Foundation Collaborative Crops Research Project No: 06-741 farmers, such as maturity period, plant stature (whether climbing or creeper), seed size, stay green characteristics (for prolonged leaf harvesting), seed size and pest resistance. Participants resolved that some of these preferences were minor and suitable for backyard crop for home consumption. It was thus resolved that researchers should focus on high yield and pest resistance and commercially desirable traits such as large seeds. Farmers should be advised to plant small patches of local varieties for vegetables and green pods. At the Lilongwe Workshop the research team established links with IITA, which has just won a grant to work on cowpea. The initial collaboration will cover scaling out issues and market and preferences surveys. At the Zomba workshop we established a partnership with World Vision Area Development project officer to facilitate seed supply for groups of farmers for scaling out. They already have experience on community-based seed production. Similar relationships were established with the District Agriculture Development Officer for Phalombe. 4.5 Cowpea market survey This work has been conducted and results are being analyzed, a separate report will be prepared. Very preliminary results were shared during workshops on cowpea market value chain. 4.6. Policy workshop on seeds The Malawi country lead participated in a workshop bringing together relevant policy officials to discuss issues that can facilitate the scaling out of legume seed systems and Integrated Soil Fertility Management. The workshop was jointly organized by the McKnight Legume Best Bets and Seed Systems projects. The major policy issue on seed systems, which was a matter of concern, was the seed registration and certification process. The key concern was t based on the fact that process is too centralized. A seed grower is required to register at Chitedze Research Station, and only the same can certify. The registration fee is high, particularly for small holder farmers or community group whose cultivated area is 1-2 ha. The registration fees and inspection costs will erode profits. The argument was that legumes, self pollinated, have simple requirements for isolation, and rouging for disease and off-types can be done at District level. Any seed not going through the process cannot be packed and sold on shelves, then killing any entrepreneurship. The dissemination of legume seeds is directly linked ISFM because the same do make some N additions to soil. These concerns and other suggestion were raised for consideration by policy makers. 5: Way forward Based on the above, the project team would like to make the following recommendations for future research action. 1. Evaluate the lines again this season and earmark entry 21 for release owing to its good Alectra tolerance and medium yield 2. Noting the lack of resistance to disease and pests across lines, to intensity the work on crop protection. This work should include clear definitions of critical minimum sprays required to keep pesticide costs and labour down. Also to intensity studies on use of botanical pesticides such as neem, moringa, Tephrosia vogelii and others. 3. To refine the issues of time of planting in line with variety maturity periods in order to avoid pests and for drought management purposes. 4. To intensify incorporation of resistance into the adapted lines and conduct adaptation trials. 5. To extend primary seed support programme to all testing sites and to willing partners. 6. To request for extension of the project with the objective of completing tasks above. To release new Alectra resistant at the end of renewal, as well as to establish a seed base to support the scaling out of the new varieties. 41 2009
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English - McKnight Foundation Collaborative Crop Research Program

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