Learning Objectives To learn the origin of cowpeas and their distribution. To understand the climatic and edaphic requirements for cowpea production. To appreciate the importance and utilization of cowpeas in a cropping sysyem. Overview Cowpeas are a native of Central Africa. They are grown extensively in the sub-Saharan region of Africa, and are planted in association with sorghum.
Cowpeas grow during the humid rainy seaso in the tropics and sub-tropics.
In developed countries, cowpea is used largely as a silage crop for animals and is equal to red cover hay in nutritive value. Cowpeas can also be used as a green manure and soil improving legume. In developing countries, cowpeas are used for human nutrition and the residue is fed to animals. Since cowpeas grow well in poor soils, can grow with little fertility, can stand hot temperatures, and can fix atmostpheric nitrogen, they are a natural for much of the semi-arid tropics. Cowpeas are not important legumes elsewhere.