
Cowpea Farming in Kenya
Cowpea farming, widely known as Kunde in Kenya, is a highly valuable agricultural practice. The crop, scientifically called Vigna unguiculata, is an annual legume grown for its seeds, leaves, and residues, which also serve as nutritious livestock fodder. With its resilience to drought, short growing cycles, and multiple uses, cowpeas are an excellent choice for drought-prone areas with low rainfall. This guide explores the ecological requirements, varieties, planting practices, and harvesting techniques essential for successful cowpea farming.
Why Cowpea Farming is Important
Cowpeas are a versatile crop, ideal for food security and soil fertility restoration. Their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen makes them an essential component in crop rotation systems. Furthermore, early-maturing varieties ensure quicker food availability compared to other crops, making cowpeas a reliable choice for farmers in marginal areas.
Main Cowpea Growing Areas in Kenya
In Kenya, cowpeas are predominantly grown in regions such as Kitui, Kisii, Migori, Kakamega, Bungoma, Machakos, Makueni, Kwale, Kilifi, and Tharaka Nithi. These areas provide suitable climatic conditions for optimal growth and productivity.
Ecological Requirements for Cowpea Cultivation
To maximize cowpea yields, specific ecological factors must be met:
Altitude: Cowpeas thrive at elevations ranging from 0 to 2,000 meters above sea level, depending on the variety.
Rainfall: With a preference for 300-700mm of annual rainfall, cowpeas are drought-tolerant. However, excessive rain during flowering can lead to flower abortion, while dry weather is essential during harvesting.
Temperature: Optimal growth occurs at temperatures between 20°C and 35°C, as extreme heat or cold hinders development.
Soil: Well-drained fertile soils with a pH of 5.5-6.5 provide the best conditions for cowpea farming.
Cowpea Varieties in Kenya
Kenya boasts several cowpea varieties tailored to different ecological zones and market preferences. Popular varieties include Katumani 80 (K80), KVU 27-1, Kunde 1, MTW 63, 610, Machakos 66 (M66), and Kitui Black Eye. Farmers should select varieties based on factors such as maturity period, resistance to pests and diseases, and desired grain color for marketability.
Seed Selection and Planting Practices
For optimal yields, approximately 8-10 kilograms of seeds are needed per acre. Cowpea seeds are sown directly, either as a sole crop or intercropped with cereals like maize. Early land preparation is critical to clear weeds and prepare the soil for planting. Planting should coincide with the onset of rains to avoid reduced yields or crop failure.
Fertilizer Application for Cowpeas
Fertilizer use depends on soil fertility levels, and soil testing is highly recommended. Phosphatic fertilizers like DAP or TSP are ideal during planting to encourage strong root development. Excessive nitrogen application should be avoided, as cowpeas naturally fix nitrogen. Foliar fertilizers such as LAVENDER SUPER STARTER®, GOLDCHANCE SUPER GROWTH®, and DIMIPHITE® can be applied during specific growth stages to promote healthy vegetative and reproductive development.
Weeding and Intercropping Techniques
Maintaining a weed-free field is essential to minimize competition for sunlight, nutrients, and water. Weeding should be minimized during flowering and fruiting stages to prevent disturbing the crop. Intercropping cowpeas with maize or sorghum enhances nitrogen fixation, enriching the soil and improving overall yields.


Maturity and Harvesting of Cowpeas
Cowpeas take between 60 to 120 days to mature, depending on the variety and climate. Young leaves can be harvested 2-3 weeks after planting for use as vegetables. Green pods are ready for harvesting 12-16 days after flowering, while mature pods should be collected promptly to prevent issues such as weevil infestation, seed shattering, or grain deterioration.
Post-Harvest Practices: Threshing, Sorting, and Grading
After harvesting, dried pods are threshed carefully to avoid seed damage. Sorting is done to remove defective grains, stones, and other impurities. Grading ensures seeds are categorized by size, color, and overall quality, meeting market standards.
Storage and Packaging of Cowpeas
Proper storage is crucial to preserve cowpea quality. Dried seeds should be stored in treated gunny bags or PICS bags, and placed on pallets to prevent contact with the ground. Small seed quantities can be mixed with wood ash to protect them from pests. Dried cowpea leaves can be stored in waterproof containers for future use, especially during seasons when fresh vegetables are unavailable.
Conclusion
Cowpea farming is a sustainable and profitable agricultural practice, especially in Kenya’s semi-arid regions. By selecting the right varieties, adhering to ecological requirements, and following best practices for planting, fertilization, and storage, farmers can optimize yields while contributing to food security and soil health. With its adaptability and multiple uses, cowpea remains a vital crop for enhancing livelihoods and agricultural resilience.