Farmer-to-farmer diffusion of cowpea seed in northern Nigeria

The international Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has developed a number of improved cowpea varieties in collaboration with national programs. Of these, eight varieties have been released for general cultivation in Nigeria. However, due to various constraints, these varieties ale not being multiplied and distributed in sufficient quantities. IITA's Kano Station is therefore working closely with farmers to study their traditional seed systems and develop strategies to improve seed production and distribution of improved varieties. This paper describes the traditional cowpea seed distribution system in northern Nigeria; analyzes three IITA interventions (involving intercropped, sole, and irrigated cowpea) that have catalyzed the rapid spread of improved varieties; and proposes strategies and an action plan to promote and strengthen farmer-to-farmer diffusion of cowpea seed.