Four Seasons of Learning and Engaging Smallholder Farmers - icrisat

In Nigeria, the small seed pack approach was pioneered by Jirkur Seed Cooperative and the Premier
Seed Company, especially across northeast and northwest Nigeria. Packs were sealed in 1 kg, 2.5 kg
and 5 kg sizes and sold at 150, 400 and 600 Naira, respectively (1USD = 150). One M+E follow-up
showed that the majority preferred the 2.5 kg pack, which they can afford with their domestic funds. In
Niger, packs were sold in the eastern and southern parts of the country through farmers’ cooperatives
unions, NGOs and in open market places. Given the very modest buying power of farmers in Niger- and
important role of cowpeas - the lively interest in small cowpea packs was unexpected. At the beginning
of the project, NARS and NGOs considered that farmers only wanted large quantities, that is, 50 kg and
20 kg packs. IEAR and SARI then moved to putting on offer 5 kg and 2 kg packs. Now, sales data have
shown that many Niger farmers desire smaller amounts - even 500g and 1 kg packs, particularly as they
expand to new varieties. The same modules were adopted in Mali and Mozambique
Progress in on-farm demonstrations
Demonstration plots were established in all participating counties to popularize and showcase the
performance of improved varieties to large number of farmers.
In Nigeria, 796 farmers (659 men and 337 women) successfully established on-farm cowpea
demonstration plots spread across 41 communities in the project areas of Borno, Kano, and Benue states.
The average yield for the improved varieties was 1447 kg per ha, compared with 800 kg per ha obtained
from the farmers’ local variety. In 2010, 30 demonstration plots were established in Benue State. The
average yield ranged from 1258 to 1684 kg per ha for the improved cowpea varieties compared with
1100 kg per ha that was obtained from the farmers’ local variety. This result shows the high potential of
cowpea in the zone.
In Niger Republic, a total of 339 farmers (329 men and 119 women) demonstration plots were
established in Maradi and Zinder regions. The average yield for the improved varieties was 1085 kg per
ha, compared to 700 kg per ha obtained from the farmers’ local variety.
In Tanzania, 28 demonstrations plots were established in 6 villages in the study districts. In Mozambique,
1775 on-farm demonstration plots have been established across 16 communities in Nampula province
to popularize and promote promising IITA cowpea lines. In Mali, 265 demonstrations plots were
established in the project areas where average yields of 800kg per ha was reported.
Progress in midseason evaluation and farmer field-days
As part of activities to popularize the improved varieties, farmer field days were held in all five countries
to demonstrate to large numbers of farmers, other stakeholders and the general public the performances
of the improved varieties available. Over 45 mid-season evaluations and field days were held in Nigeria
over the three seasons. Feedback from the mid-season evaluations and field days was given to cowpea
breeders to guide them in the breeding program. In Mali, 11 field days/mid-season evaluation was held.
Progress in seed dissemination
In order to enhance the adoption of improved cowpea varieties, large volumes of cowpea seed were
distributed to farmers in small packs of 1 kg mini kits. A total of 8.83 MT of improved cowpea varieties
have been distributed to 5790 farmers.
In Nigeria, about 6.33 MT of cowpea seed packaged in 1 kg packets have been disseminated to over
4885 (3409 men and 1476 women). This activity was aimed to accelerate the production of improved
varieties of cowpea. The seeds were given to farmers as seed diffusion in project areas.
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Engaging Smallholder Farmers | Tropical Legumes II Project