Abstract

A survey was conducted in three southern districts of the Volta Region of Ghana and Agbogbloshie market in Accra to ascertain current production constraints faced by farmers and consumers’ desired traits of cowpea. There were two focus group discussions, one in Akatsi and the other at Ketu North District. A total of 180 farmers, 45 food vendors, 30 seed dealers and 80 cowpea traders were interviewed. The interviewees were made up of 226 females and 109 males. Data were classified and analyzed with SAS 9.2 and results presented in tables and graphs. It was realized that most of the cowpea found in the markets at the time of this study were imported from different countries within the West Africa sub-region. Farmers normally sell their products at farm gate at the time of harvest. Preference for cowpea with cream large seeds which is sweet and easy to cook among Ghanaian consumers has not changed. Constraints to cowpea farming identified were similar to those known elsewhere: Including insect pests, diseases, drought, cyperus spp. as weed and harvesting difficulty.

Key words: Cowpea, constraints, desired traits, insect pests, drought.