Final version of Tropical Legumes II Project Report for Phase 1 - icrisat

produced over the first phase of the project. Among the countries, only Nigeria produced in excess of
the annual target for the three years. On the other hand, Tanzania and Mali produced below the annual
target in each of the three years period (Table 5-15). However, the TL II project has demonstrated that
community production of seed of improved varieties can be successful, but its continued sustainability
depends on development of successful seed associations, with links to the formal seed sector.
Table 5-15: Quantity (MT) of cowpea Certified Seed produced in target countries
Country Year Total
2008 2009 2010
Nigeria 75.00 75.60 81.00 231.60
Niger 6.70 54.90 41.90 103.50
Mali 0.70 18.80 15.40 34.95
Tanzania - 2.70 16.80 19.50
Mozambique 15.30 41.50 50.25 107.03
Total 97.70 193.5 205.35 496.58
Testing small packs
The use of small packs is based on the field insights that farmers want access to new varieties, and that
some also are willing to pay for Certified Seed at affordable sizes. Seed simply has to be marketed in
affordable sizes, in places which are easily accessible to farmers, and from vendors that farmers trust
(or who may be held accountable to buyers). Available M+E data shows that 314 MT of seed was sold
in small packs across three countries (with this quantity representing the minimum quantity sold, as a
number of partners did not report back specific sales figures).
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. IER and SNV 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 500 g 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 countries to popularize and showcase the
performance of improved varieties to large number of farmers.
In Nigeria, 796 farmers (659 men and 137 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.
110
Engaging Smallholder Farmers | Tropical Legumes II Project