BSF project "Sustainable utilization of cowpea genetic resources for enhanced food security and poverty alleviation in the dry savannah of regions Northern Ghana"

Cowpea is an affordable, protein-rich food relied on by over 70% of Ghana’s population. However, it is severely threatened by the parasitic witchweed (Striga gesnerioides), which has led to yield losses of 80-100%. Coupled with drought and other disease stresses in major production regions of northern Ghana, this has gravely affected the food security of vulnerable farming communities. In order to identify striga-, drought- and disease-resistant cowpea varieties, this Benefit-sharing Fund project (Third Cycle) is using marker-assisted selection, as well as participatory field trials in multiple locations in combination with consumer evaluation protocols. In this way it contributes to food security, poverty reduction and prevention of malnutrition among children and pregnant women in particular.