Sustainable Utilization of Cowpea Genetic Resources for Enhanced Food Security and Poverty Alleviation in the Dry Savannah Northern Regions of Ghana
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Telephone: +233 244 954 045
Executive Summary:
Cowpea is the cheapest source of protein for every one in both rural and urban communities in Ghana. However, the influence of the parasitic weed, Striga gesnerioides, drought and low soil fertility continue to be a challenge to sustainable production of cowpea in the dry savannah northern regions, which constitute about 60 % production area of the crop in Ghana. Yield loss in cowpea due to Striga infestation alone ranges from 83-100%, resulting in poverty, hunger and malnutrition, which affect 15 million resource poor farmers and children in Ghana. Available local and exotic genetic resources of cowpea can be harnessed through rigorous breeding, genetic analysis and evaluation to combat the effects of the parasitic weed, mitigate drought and improve soil fertility. DNA-technology involving marker-assisted selection protocols; analysis of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers across the genome of 120 recombinant inbred lines of cowpea and the local landrace GH3684, coupled with assessment of yield performance of the crop in multi-location trials will facilitate the release of at least 6 most promising, preferred and improved cowpea genotypes as varieties for cultivation, consumption and conservation in Ghana.
Main Objective
The main objective of this work is to phenotype and genotype 120 recombinant inbred lines of cowpea and the local landrace GH3684 to select farmer and consumer preferred Striga-resistant, drought-tolerant and high yielding cowpeas in multi-location trials to enhance on-farm conservation and sustainable production of the crop by resource-poor and small-holder farmers in Ghana.
Specific Objectives
1. Genotype and phenotype 120 RILs and GH3684 cowpeas and harness useful resistant alleles using SSR and SNP markers to identify Striga-resistant and drought-tolerant traits.
2. Evaluate of 30 cowpea genotypes on-farm in Striga-hotspots compared with performance in non-Striga infested agro-ecological zones of Ghana.
3. Comparative multi-location trials with 300 resource-poor farmers and conservation of cowpea in the Striga hotspots., non-infested coastal savannah and transition zone of Ghana for adaptability.
4. Assess nutritional properties, cooking-ability and palatability of 10 selected cowpeas, and develop protocol to release at least 6 Striga-resistant and drought-tolerant varieties for cultivation and conservation.
Outputs
a. 120 RIls and GH3684 cowpea germplasm characterized and Striga-resistant, drought-tolerant traits with useful alleles identified.
b. Multi-Striga race resistance among 120 RILs and GH3684 identified using SNP markers
c. 30 RILs and GH3684 conserved on-farm and cowpea seeds appropriately stored.
d. At least six most preferred Striga-resistant and drought tolerant cowpea genotypes documented and released as varieties to farmers, seed producing companies, breeders and gene banks.
Target Beneficiaries/Impact
- The release of at least 6 novel Striga-resistant and drought-tolerant cowpeas will lead to improve sustainable cowpea production in Ghana towards food security and poverty reduction.
- 400 Resource-poor small-holder farmers in four regions of Ghana will have access to improved cowpeas for on-farm cultivation and conservation.
- Two million Children and resource-poor farmers will have adequate cowpea for food as a cheap source of protein to reduce malnutrition.
- Poverty reduction among small-holder cowpea farmers in four regions in Ghana as production and sales increase, through reduced yield losses.
- Two MPhil students trained towards capacity building.
- Ten Agricultural Extension Officers trained.
- 15 Scientists and Technicians exchange knowledge to build capacity for further research.
- Research findings information disseminated through publication of 6 papers in journals, and presentations in at least 4 seminars and conferences will enhance the visibility of sponsors, scientists and institutions involved in the project execution.
Project Implementation Partners
University of Cape Coast, Ghana is the initiator and leading Institution on the project.
Collaborators
- Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ghana.
- Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute (PGRRI) of Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) at Bunso, Ghana.
- Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), Ghana.
- University of Virginia, USA (International collaborator).
Research Team
Dr. Aaron T. Asare (Plant Biotechnologist and Breeder, UCC)
Prof. Isaac K.A. Galyuon (Plant Physiologist, Biostatistician, Molecular Biologist, UCC),
Dr. Sheila Tagoe (Microbiology/Molecular Biologist),
Mr. D.C. Adukpo (Atmosperic physicist/Climate change, UCC),
Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako (Plant Virologist/Agronomist, UCC),
Prof. B.A.Mensah (Entomologist, UCC)
Dr. K. Adjei-Frimpong (Soil scientist, UCC), Prof. B. A. Mensah (Entomologist, UCC),
Dr. (Mrs) Genevive Adukpo (Organic Chemist, Natural products, UCC),
Dr. Francis Kusi (Agronomist/Molecular Entomologist, SARI),
Dr. Lawrence M. Aboagye (Plant Physiologist/Biodiversity conservationist, PGRRI),
Prof. Michael. P. Timko (Molecular Biologist, University of Virginia, USA).
Farmer Field Day in University of Cape Coast:
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Exhibition of some newly developed cowpea at National Farmers Day 2016 in Ankaful, Central Region, to create public awareness to sensitize the public cultivate and consume cowpea to meet protein need for healthy growth. The Chief of Cape Coast, Omanhene Osabarima Kwesi Atta II inspected and expressed interest in the newly developed cowpeas as well as farmers and government workers present.
Farmer Field Day in University of Cape Coast:
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SARI, Manga station in Bawku, Upper East Region-Farmer-education towards selection of Striga resistant cowpea on-sattion farm
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