Introduction

Conference
The second phase planning meeting/conference/workshop, held in Dodoma at Dodoma
municipal conference hall on 15 – 16 October 2010, brought together a broad spectrum of
people concerned with the project. Participants were DALDO Dodoma, crop officer
Dodoma, DALDO Singida, crop officer Singida, DALDO Iringa, crop officer Iringa,
DALDO Iramba, crop officer Iramba, DALDO Kongwa, DALDO Njombe, crop officer
Njombe, World Vision Singinda, processing and utilization, cowpea breeder, agricultural
economist, INADES, TOSCI, and ZRC central zone. The conference focused on two fold
related themes: The first phase activities and activities proposed for the second phase of
the project. The conference opened on the first day with remarks by Ms. Muwayanga,
followed by six presentations related to salient features, elements and in the context of
the project. On the second day it opened with a recap of the previous day, followed by
activity planning for the second phase based on Dr. Mbwaga guidelines. Each afternoon a
workshop provided an opportunity for general discussion.

He further stated that, despite the fact that cowpea are a grain legume rich in protein and
minerals, leaves are edible and rich in vitamins, the production is adversely affected by
predominance of parasitic weed Alectra Vogelli and other pests. The current yields are
300 to 400 kg/ha, however, improved varieties and crop/pest management can raise
yields towards potential of 2.5 to 3.0 t/ha. Cowpea is a very important crop for semi arid
areas as a source of food, income, and land fertility

Dr. Mbwaga outlined the objectives of the project and the ways which it seeks to
contribute to development. These are: improve cowpea productivity on A Vogelli
infested land in Malawi and Tanzania by introducing Alectra resistance into cowpea
cultivars that are also early maturing, pest/disease tolerant and high yielding and to
promote them in both countries. He also mentioned that the project activities were
initiated at the inception workshop 2006 in Mbeya. These were such as assembly and
screening of germplasm for A. resistance, preliminary evaluation of resistance material
on farm, breeding for resistance, on-farm-participatory evaluation, farmer group
dynamics training for empowerment, cowpea preference and market surveys, training on
cowpea crop and seed production.

Dr. Mligo outlined and detailed achievements attained for the last four years in breeding
for Alectra resistant cowpea cultivars.

Ms. Mchomvu examined the methods to identify and improve cowpea processing and
utilization technologies, small holder farmers’ empowerment in accessing appropriate

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technologies that add value, contribute to reducing poverty, enhancing food security and
income growth.

Katunzi explored the farmer group formation and strengthening experiences in phase I of
the cowpea project. He mentioned the vision and mission of the project concerning this
salient component of it. The vision is “the world in which rural people are empowered
and control their development process”. The mission of IFTZ is that it seeks to support,
through Action – Research – Training, farmers’ knowledge, actions and initiatives in
organizational, mobilization and distribution of resources in their environment fo r their
improved livelihoods.

Dr. Hella noted the producer and consumers’ preference in cowpea, marketing challenges
of cowpeas; research in cowpea market, ways of how cowpea can reach the consumer,
and marketing mix (the seven Ps).

Activities and achievements of the first phase of the project

This section outlines some of the notable activities and their associated achievements in
the first phase of the project.

I. The overall activities of the project

According to Mbwaga, the project had some overall activities and achievements
attained as outlined below:
1.1 Activity:
Identification of producer and consumer’s preference in cowpea.

Achievement:
The activity was completed with three years of the first phase and the following were
successfully identified:
• Farmers preferred cowpea lines with white or cream coloured grain, large and
more leaves. Also lines preferred were cowpea lines that mature early, are
resistant to pest and diseases, are easy to cook, and are of high yielding.
• At the market level, traders were found to prefer white/cream and large seeded
grain.
1.2 Activity:

Women and farmer’s capacity enhancement.

Achievement:
Some farmers especially women had opportunity to acquire some knowledge in
Alectra biology, seed production, group business dynamics, and value chain
workshop and feedback workshops were conducted.

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1.3 Activity:

Incorporation of resistance into released varieties.

Achievement:
BC5 were released in Tanzania while BC3 were released in Malawi.

1.4 Activity:
Increasing collaboration in cowpea research in Southern Africa.

Achievement:
The project involved diverse persons such as one student taking masters in
Agricultural economics in Tanzania, and Cop participation. Two scientists and
one farmer from Singida took part in Cop 1 in Malawi, two scientists and one
farmer from Iringa were participatory members of Cop 2 which took place in
Mozambique, two scientists and a four farmers participated in Cop 3 held at
Bagamoyo, and one scientist and a DALDO attended the international conference
in France.

1.5 Activity:
Farmer and extension awareness of A. Vogelli and use of resistant cultivars.

Achievement:
911 farmers, four researchers and six students were trained.

1.6 Activity:
Promotion of high yielding A. Vogelli resistant cowpea varieties.

Achievement:
On farm trials were conducted, posters on Alectra biology were produced and
distributed, inventory on cowpea recipes was done, and leaflets on cowpea recipes
were prepared and produced.

1.7 Activity:

Capacity enhancement of women and cowpea farmers.

Achievement:

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 Six groups, consisting of 92 men and 75 women were formed in Tanzania; and
seminars were conducted on Alectra biology, situation analysis, identification of
key issues, and strategies for improving cowpea production.

II. Breeding for alectra resistance

Mligo dealt with breeding for Alectra resistance. This emanates from the specific
objective of the project, which is to develop high yielding A. Vogelli resistant
cowpea cultivars and promote them in both countries, Malawi and Tanzania.
Jotted down are some activities and achievements attained.

1.8 Activity:
Identification of cowpea lines resistant to A.Vogelli.

Achievement:
Cowpea germplasm was collected from IITA, Bihawana Farmers Center, National
Plant Genetic Resource Center, and Ilonga Agricultural Research Station in 2007.
These lines were evaluated for resistance to Alectra at Ilonga.

The line TZA 263 was found to be favorite to the farmers, and were highly
resistant to Alectra so did the lines from IITA, Nigeria, that included IT99K-7-21-
2-2-1 and IT99K-573-2-1.

1.9 Activity:
Introgression of resistance to Alectra Vogelli into desirable types.

Achievement:
Crossing of resistant lines was done in 2008 and back crosses were made to
recipient parents. The back crosses are now in BC6, which would be followed by
selfing then screening for resistance.

1.10 Activity:
On station screening of cowpea cultivars for Alectra resistance.

Achievements:
In 2009, farmers selected the lines IT9K-7-21-2-2-1, IT99K-573-1-1 and TZA
263 as promising lines for Alectra resistance, grain yielding and other desirable
attributes. These together with two released varieties, Fahari and Vuli-2, were
included in the on station and on – farm evaluation in 2010.

1.11 Activity:
On farm evaluation of the promising cowpea lines.
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 Achievement:
In 2010, on – farm evaluation for promising Alectra resistant line were evaluated.
This involved a total of 8 locations in Iringa, Dodoma and Singida. Three lines
were included.

III.Promotion of cowpea processing and utilization for the improvement of

nutritional status

In accordance with Mchomvu, a participatory research was carried out to identify

and improve the existing cowpea processing and utilization technologies.
Moreover, small holder farmers were empowered to access appropriate
technologies that would add value, contribute to reducing poverty, enhancing food
security and income growth. Below are some of the findings of the research:

1.12 Cowpea handling and processing

The methods prevalent at small-holder farmers’ level were indigenous, largely
performed by women, time consuming, laborious, and inefficient and relatively
contaminating.

1.13 Forms of cowpea consumed.

It was found that cowpea was consumed when fresh, tender green leaves, dried
tender green leaves, whole mature green seeds, whole matured dried seeds and de-
hulled seeds.

1.14 Farmers’ seeds processing

Farmers seeds processing methods involved leaving cowpea to mature in the field,
having it harvested and getting it dried on bare land, then threshed and winnowed
prior to storage or utilization. Also, de-hulling of seeds was done using grinding
stones or pounding it with motor and pestle.

Improvements that would be made on cowpea and processing were harvested

cowpea seeds be dried on mats of clean ground, products should be made in large
quantities, some products could be stored in form of flour to make it easy for
immediate of future use, and de-hulling of cowpea could be done by machines
instead of using grinding stones or motor and pestle.

1.15 Cowpea recipes and dishes

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 Traditionally recipes and dishes are preferred and prepared based on appearance,
taste of food, palatability, softness and filling attributes were considered to be the
most important aspects of them.

Improvements were suggested to be made on recipes and dishes. Improvements

were such that recipes were to be based on nutritional aspect of food, cooking
methods would be altered, for instance, snack “bagia” making, some ingredients
should be omitted such as bicarbonate of soda, and some ingredients are to be
added, for example yeasts would be used in “bagia” dough making.

2.4.0. Farmer group dynamics

Katunzi introduces, in this section, farmer group formation and strengthening
experience in phase I of the cowpea project. He defines a group as a collection of
farmers sharing common constraints coming together to meet common objectives.
He explains that INADES Formation Tanzania (IFTZ) is an autonomous non
profitable organization, an NGO that is affiliated to the network of INADES –
Formation international (IFI). IFTZ works on group formation and strengthening
under the project.

2.4.1. Group formation and capacity building of farmers’ groups

During this process it was realized that most farmers were not informed and
aware of information sources, S. W. P and O, relevant policies, and they were not
aware of their roles and responsibilities including stakeholders. It was further
found that farmers were unaware of relevant policies, fetched poor prices of farm
produce, lack common strategies, were more dependent and were not
entrepreneurs.

In order to curb or alleviate the problems mentioned above farmers were

sensitized to form groups, analysis of group strength, weaknesses and
opportunities was performed. This was followed by imparting group
strengthening skills to farmer groups, leadership skills in a group were identified,
and a follow up was done to ensure the implementation of what farmers had
learnt.

2.4.2. Achievements and challenges

Some achievements realized were that farmer groups and other stakeholders
understood meaning and concepts of farmers’ groups. Moreover, it was observed
that farmers became more confident such that they freely and openly spoke out
when airing their views. Each member of the groups executed their roles and
responsibilities sufficiently. For example, each group had files properly filled

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 including minutes of its meetings. The groups showed a sense of ownership of the
cowpea project.

Despite the achievements attained, there were some notable challenges. Some
farmers still expected handouts from the project that would explain to them how
to be independent; and it is clear that there was inadequate civil education among
farmers and former groups. Further more, it was noted that farmers had difficulty
with initiating viable income generating activities (IGAS). This is a huge
challenge because strong and functional groups need to have viable economic
activity.

2.5.0. Dr. Hella presented a paper that was based on the research conducted in efficiency
of cowpea business in Tanzania whereby the cowpea preference by the producer
and consumer was identified. The research was conducted in Dodoma, Singida,
Morogoro. A sample of 180 respondents were interviewed from ……….

The results were as follows:

2.5.1. Identification of producer and consumers’ preference in cowpea.
It was found that producers and consumers preferred cowpea which had grain
with white cream colour, produced large and more leaves, matured early, was
resistant to pest and diseases, was of high yielding, and was easy to cook. It was
also found that traders favoured white and large seeded cowpea grain.

Challenge
Despite the decrease in production and increase in demand, the price, as it would be
expected, did not change. Production was not encouraged by market indicators
consequently leaving more questions than answers.

2.5.2. Markets
The main buyers of cowpea come from Kariakoo in Dar es Salaam which would
supply to Zanzibar, Mombasa and Comoro markets. The main ways of cowpea to
reach the market are from the farmers to merchants or retailers. From merchants
or retailers proceed to producers or processor then to the consumers. However, the
constraints to most of business men or women were lack of experience and
inadequate capital. Moreover the market is dominated by retailers that count for
75.8% while the rest are whole sale business men or women; and there were no
grades of cowpea, no quality standards set, information system was not
established, and there were prices fluctuations that are unstable market price.

2.5.3. Farmers and businessmen’s views/ perceptions.

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 Farmers’ perceptions are that cowpea was market less, had low price and did not
accrue any profit. They believed that they did not know consumers’ needs and did
not produce to the market requirements.

Business men stated that they faced a problem of scarcity, cost in terms of
transportation and storing. They further mentioned that it was difficult to get
cowpea of various sizes and of high quality. They also could not know where they
would obtain it in large quantity therefore they perceived it as very expensive.

2.5.4. Recommendation
It was recommended that more production should be encouraged, more utilization
dimension ought to be explored, farmers should be encouraged to produce cowpea
focusing on market, and they should form groups in order to have market
influences.

Moreover, farmers should be trained on marketing mix, which is comprised of

seven (Ps) that is the product, the price, the place, the promotion, the people, the
process, and the physical evidence. More importantly, farmers should know the
market needs cowpea with large sized seeds, white cream colour that matures
early and cooks easily, of plenty tender leavers, and of high yield.

2.6. Extension staff/ DALDO

DALDOs and extension staff who work in Dodoma, Iringa and Singida are extremely
important link between the project, researchers and farmers. These profoundly
authenticate the project and make it practically and effectively possible. For instance,
new varieties would be introduced in selected villages by them through on farm seed
production programme. They sensitize farmers to use and adopt new varieties.
Moreover, they help farmers in their groups , do evaluation to get lines that are
tolerant to Alectra, are of preferred seed size and seed colour.

IV. Proposed activities for the second phase of project

The conference came up with proposed work plan for the second phase of the project.
The plan was guided by Mbwaga and Hella, focusing on the goal to develop and
demonstrate the value of Alectra Vogelli resistant cowpea cultivars to increase
production and nutrition in Malawi and Tanzania. Two specific objectives were chosen to
realize the goal. These objectives are:

1. To develop Alectra resistant high yielding cowpea lines

2. To promote high yielding Vogelli resistant cowpea cultivars.
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In this case it was envisaged that atleast 3 Allectra resistant varieties would be released,
promoted and grown by farmers by 2015. Proposed activities are as outlined below:
3.1. Identifica
tion of cowpea lines resistant to A. Vogelli. Atleast three cowpea lines to be identified
by the 5th year or year 5. Geographic variability of Alectra strains will be identified
and mapped in Malawi and Tanzania by 2012.
3.2. Improve
ment of the management of field cowpea to be undertaken. In line with this activity at
least one botanical method will be identified.
3.3. Collabora
tion in cowpea research will be increased in Southern Africa. In this respect,
researchers will attend cop, meet to review and monitor project activities in both
countries each year.
3.4. Alectra
resistant varieties are evaluated and adopted. At least two resistant lines will be
released and grown by farmers by 2013 in both countries.
3.5. Commun
ity – based cowpea seed production and farmers’ access to seed are identified. In
connection with this, each farmer group will be trained on seed multiplication, and be
able to produce by 2010.
3.6. Nutrition
al status of farmers to be improved. A thousand (1000) households will be able to
process and utilize cowpea products by year 2013.
3.7. Cowpea
seed marketing opportunity are identified. At least two stockiest for selling cowpea
seeds will be identified in each village.
3.1.0. This section outlines the strategies or lines of action corresponding to the outputs
as outlined below:

Corresponding to output 3.1.

3.1.1. Preparation of promising cowpea lines for release. The promising lines will be
sent to NTP by 2010 and ready for seed release committee in 2011.
3.1.2. Continue crossing programme at Ilonga and Bunda in 2010 and 2012 respectively.
3.1.3. Wider scaling up and out of the released varieties. It will start in Tanzania and
Malawi by 2012.
3.1.4. Field evaluation of materials from the crossing programme to be conducted. The
evaluation will be done in Tanzania in 2011 and Malawi in 2013, get released by
2014 and 2015 in Tanzania and Malawi respectively.
3.1.5. Mapping of the distribution and intensity of Alectra in cowpea common in
producing areas will be done in 2011 in both countries, Tanzania and Malawi.
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3.1.6. Strain identification study by use of molecular markers is done. Strain
confirmation using molecular markers will start in 2011.
3.1.7. Increase new lines of seed. Introgression starts by 2011 and new varieties start
being released by 2012.

Corresponding to out 3.2

3.2.1. Evaluate promising botanicals from the post harvest at least at one village.
Verification of products from botanical project will be conducted in 2013 for one
season.
3.2.2. Wide scaling up and out of effective botanicals will be done.

Corresponding to output 3.3

3.3.1. Visit monitor and evaluate project activities in both countries. This will take place
every season between two countries Malawi and Tanzania.
3.3.2. Attend cop meetings. Project team will attend cop meetings each year.

Corresponding to output 3.4

3.4.1. Field evaluation of promising lines from crossing programme on-station and on
farm widely done starting 2011.
3.4.2. Train farmers on climatic data to predict weather condition and mitigation starting
2011.
3.4.3. Train farmers on participatory video shooting. The training on PVS will continue
to new farmers in 2011 both in Tanzania and Malawi.
3.4.4. Train farmers on record keeping starting in 2011.

Corresponding to output 3.5

3.5.1. Train farmers on seed multiplication (QDS) and marketing. The training will
continue to new farmers in 2011 in Tanzania and Malawi. Also, QDS products
will be qualified to become growers of certified seed for seed companies.

Corresponding to output 3.6

3.6.1. Train farmers on processing and use of cowpea recipes. Spread of knowledge on
the use of cowpea recipes will continue to more communities in 2011 and
onwards.
3.6.2. Wide promotion of cowpea recipes to be developed from phase one. Recipes
developed in phase one will be spread to new communities from 2011 onwards.
3.6.3. Follow up on the diffusion on the use of cowpea recipes. Following up the uptake
and diffusion of the technologies in the previous and new communities will start
in 2011.

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Corresponding to output 3.7
3.7.1. Publish information on market opportunities. The information obtained from the
workshop with opportunities for market will be published so as to be used by
farmers.
3.7.2. Link farmers to market by visiting market dealers and getting them into contract.
Starting in 2011, farmers will visit some of the well founded market places so that
they can see opportunities to establish a link for marketing of cowpea grain.

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