Recent advances in cowpea IPM in West Africa
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Date
2023-08-21
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Publisher
Frontiers in Agronomy (Frontier)
Abstract
Cowpea is an important and climate-resilient grain legume for human and
livestock nutrition worldwide. Its grains represent a valuable source of protein
for rural families in Sub-Saharan Africa while its haulms offer nutritious fodder for
livestock, especially, in the Sahel regions. Cowpea production, unfortunately, faces
substantial challenges of field and storage insect pests which can cause up to 100%
losses. The use of synthetic pesticides, although providing farmers with a good
level of pest control, has underscored the critical need for the development of
integrated pest management (IPM) alternatives, due to their detrimental effects on
humans, animals and the environment. This review examines recent advances in
West Africa in cowpea IPM approaches, highlighting research on host plant
resistance, biological control, biopesticides, good cultural practices, and on-farm
participatory research and training undertaken to support sustainable cowpea
production. Numerous IPM options have been developed, tested and validated for
combating cowpea insect problems in West Africa by research institutions and
disseminated through farmer field schools (FFS), field demonstrations, training
sessions, and community-based education. Reviewing these environmentally safer
and scalable IPM innovations will provide cowpea stakeholders with insights into
workable, sustainable solutions for minimizing crop pest problems, reducing
reliance on harmful pesticides and ultimately ensuring the long-term viability of
cowpea production and its contribution to food security.