Cowpea: a traditional multipurpose grain legume for smallholders in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Cowpea (Vigna ungulculata) is a versatile annual grain legume that is widely planted by smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe, usually as an intercrop with maize. Farmers grow a range of types that include those with an indeterminate spreading habit for multiple uses, and bushy types mainly for grain. Cowpea grows well in both sub-humid and semi-arid areas and on some relativity poor soils. It feeds the soil as well as humans and livestock, and can help maintain maize yields with little N fertilizer.