Enhancing Cowpea Productivity in the Sahel: Exploring Seed Access among Smallholder Farmers in South-Central Niger

Cowpea productivity in West Africa is low due to several challenges, including limited access to high-quality seeds. Despite the development of improved varieties, smallholder farmers face difficulties in accessing certified seeds. This study interviewed 634 households in south-central Niger to assess how farmers access cowpea seeds. Most farmers (94.6%) relied on informal seed systems, with local markets being the primary source (72.8%). The formal seed sector, including the private sector, had a limited role. Farmers typically stored seeds for seven months utilizing pesticides (54.9%) and hermetic methods (42.6%). Interestingly, the price of seeds of improved cowpea varieties in local markets was 1.19 times higher than that of local varieties, but only 25% of the cost of certified seeds. Interventions to strengthen informal seed systems and improve access to credit could enhance the adoption of high-quality cowpea seeds and increase productivity.