Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata (L.) Walp.) (Fabaceae) Landrace Diversity in Northen Ethiopia
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Date
2015-07
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Addis Ababa Universty
Abstract
The study was carried out to identify and document the landrace diversity and ethnobotany of
cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) (Fabaceae) in northern Ethiopia. Ethnobotanical data
were collected using semi-structured interview, field observations (guided field walk) and market
surveys. A total of 54 germplasms and representative voucher specimens were collected from
different geographical locations ranging in altitude from 1260 – 2140 m.a.s.l. Of these, 45 were
local farmers’ varieties (83%) and nine were commercial varieties (17%) introduced by Melkassa
Agricultural Research Centre. The majority of farmers (75%) preferred the erect type of cowpea
(Vigna unguiculata subsp. cylindrica (L.) Verdc. farmers’ variety KIMITE and subsp. cylindrica
(L.) Verdc. farmers’ variety CHEKELE) because of many reasons such as ability of the crop to be
harvested before the cereal crops are ready, high grain and straw yield, organoleptic character,
early maturity, feed value, adaptability to all types of soil, disease resistance, drought tolerance
and market value. The spreading type of cowpea (subsp. unguiculata farmers’ variety JERGADIE)
produced much more leaves than grains and mainly the farmers use it for improving soil fertility.
These local farmers’ varieties contribute to smallholders’ income as a higher-value crop like
cereals and to diet as a cost effective source of protein intake especially in Central Tigray, South
Wello and Oromia Special Zones of northern Ethiopia. In Amhara Region, cowpea is mainly used
for human food in the form of boiled grain (NIFRO), baking bread (KITA) and sauces (SHIRO WET).
There is high potential area for cowpea production; but the actual production by local farmers is
restricted to some areas. Therefore, the responsible body (Ministry of Agriculture and Ethiopian
Institute of Agricultural Research) needs to enhance and/or distribute the important cowpea
landrace varieties to the areas where the crop can be suitably grown.
Key words: Cowpea, Ethiopia, ethnobotany, farmers’ knowledge, landrace
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Keywords
Cowpea, Ethiopia, Ethnobotany, Farmers’ knowledge, landrace