An economic survey of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) storage practices in Kwara State, Nigeria

Grain cereals are the food security staples of the poor masses around the globe. However, a significant proportion of these crops, especially cowpea are lost during storage. This is more so the case in Africa where postharvest losses due to the absence of efficient storage for cowpea is alarming: between 30-70 percent. This study, therefore, examined the adoption of improved cowpea storage practices/facilities by cowpea farmers and traders in Nigeria, using Kwara State as case study. The study specifically investigated factors affecting cowpea storage practices. For the study, 180 households involved in cowpea storage activities were selected across the study area and interviewed. Data analysis tools were the descriptive statistics and logistic regression tools. The descriptive statistics was employed to…