Abstract

Begun in 1977, this project has sought to make available to farmers in Burkina Faso cowpea varieties that are high in yield; better suited to semiarid zones; resistant to disease, insect pests, and Striga; and acceptable to growers. Eleven years of research have made it possible to put at the disposal of extension workers and farmers varieties that are high in yield and resistant to the most common insect pests, as well as to disease, drought, and Striga, in each of the three agroclimatic zones of the country. Average yields from these varieties are at least double those of traditional average yields. However, the new varieties are still greatly influenced by climatic factors (erratic rains, high temperatures), insects, disease, and Striga infestations; furthermore, they cannot be used in mixed/rotation cropping with cereals, which is the most commonly practised method of cultivation. Phase IV will involve a multidisciplinary approach designed to ensure the transfer of the resistance of certain local varieties to drought, Striga, and high temperatures, to newly selected varieties and their screening for mixed/rotation cropping.

Post-Project Summary

A postproject abstract could not be written due to lack of documentation in the IDRC library.

Recipient Institution(s)