Cowpea is a food security crop and a main source of income for farmers in Niger. However, postharvest storage remains a major challenge due to insect pest attacks. Since 2008, the Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags were disseminated in Niger to reduce storage losses. This study was conducted to assess the adoption of the PICS technology in the Dosso, Maradi, and Zinder regions of Niger. We interviewed 600 households selected from villages that did and did not benefit from PICS extension activities. A logit regression model was used to assess the decision of farmers to adopt the PICS technology. The overall adoption of the PICS bags among farmers was 48.4%. PICS adoption was 69.7% in Dosso, 41.3% in Zinder, and 31.2% in Maradi. Farmers who attended PICS training were 5 times more likely to adopt the technology than those who did not. Variables that affected the adoption of the PICS technology included the region, participation in PICS training, and information source. Beyond cowpea, PICS bags were used to store a variety of crops including Bambara nuts, hibiscus seeds, peanuts, millet, and sorghum. Storing 100 kg of cowpea in a PICS bag generated a cash flow of $70.38 per respondent and a net return of $21.50. Revenues generated from sales of cowpea stored in PICS bags were mostly used for health expenditures and to purchase agricultural inputs. Results of this study demonstrate that pest management technologies such as PICS bags can also contribute to improving the livelihood of family farms.

Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) (Walpers, 1842), is an important legume for food and nutrition security, and income generation. Despite decade-long efforts to disseminate improved varieties, cowpea productivity remains low in Niger. This is due, in part, to the limited adoption of improved cowpea varieties among farmers. Increasing the adoption of improved cowpea varieties requires a better understanding of farmers’ preferred genotype traits and socio-economic factors that influence their decision. We interviewed 634 farmers from the south-central regions (Maradi and Zinder) of Niger to assess factors that influence their decision to adopt improved cowpea varieties. The average age of the respondent was 41 years with 29 years of farming experience. Eight improved cowpea varieties were grown by these farmers with average adoption rates ranging from 3.3 to 38.0%. Genotype traits that influenced farmers’ decision to adopt improved cowpea varieties included early maturing (86.9%), high yielding (73.9%), and high market value (50.5%). Socio-economic factors that significantly influenced adoption were age, gender, membership in a farmers’ organization, and contact with the extension services. Adoption is constrained by the limited availability of cowpea varieties with farmers’ preferred genotypes traits. Farmers’ preferences for genotype traits must be considered in the early stages of breeding programs and the release of new varieties to increase adoption. Stakeholders involved in the cowpea value chain can use this information to improve cowpea adoption and productivity.

The cowpea is a vital crop for low-resource farmers in the Sahel, but post-harvest losses due to insect pests remain a major challenge. Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius, 1775), is the primary pest responsible for most of the damage to stored cowpeas. Recently, Trogoderma granarium (Everts, 1898) was found infesting cowpeas in large warehouses in Niger. This study evaluated hermetic storage bags to manage both common and emerging insect pests. Treatments included (i) the Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) hermetic bag; (ii) a woven polypropylene (PP) bag with a polyethylene (PE) liner and Phostoxin; and (iii) a woven PP bag without Phostoxin (control). Naturally infested cowpea grains were obtained from the Office des Produits Vivriers du Niger (OPVN) warehouse in Maradi, Niger. Infestation levels were assessed using 12 samples of 500 g each, randomly collected from each treatment at the start and end of the trial. Major pests identified were C. maculatus, T. granarium, and Tribolium sp., with initial populations of 0.83, 0.44, and 0.83 adults per 500 g of cowpea, respectively. After six months of storage, pest densities in the control increased significantly: 232-fold for C. maculatus, 7.4-fold for T. granarium, and 2.7-fold for Tribolium sp.; resulting in a 38.5% weight loss. In contrast, both the Phostoxin and the PICS hermetic bags effectively suppressed pest populations, preventing weight loss. This study confirms the efficacy of hermetic storage, such as the PICS bag, in protecting cowpeas from both common and emerging pests.

Cowpea productivity in West Africa is low due to several challenges, including limited access to high-quality seeds. Despite the development of improved varieties, smallholder farmers face difficulties in accessing certified seeds. This study interviewed 634 households in south-central Niger to assess how farmers access cowpea seeds. Most farmers (94.6%) relied on informal seed systems, with local markets being the primary source (72.8%). The formal seed sector, including the private sector, had a limited role. Farmers typically stored seeds for seven months utilizing pesticides (54.9%) and hermetic methods (42.6%). Interestingly, the price of seeds of improved cowpea varieties in local markets was 1.19 times higher than that of local varieties, but only 25% of the cost of certified seeds. Interventions to strengthen informal seed systems and improve access to credit could enhance the adoption of high-quality cowpea seeds and increase productivity.

Millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) is the most widely consumed cereal in Niger. Although its production lasts six months, consumption is year-round, requiring effective and safe storage solutions. Post-harvest losses of millet can reach up to 17% after several months of storage. Chemical pesticides are commonly used in large warehouses, but concerns over misuse and health risks have driven interest in safer alternatives. This study assessed the effectiveness of traditional and improved storage methods in controlling Trogoderma granarium Everts, an emerging pest of millet in large warehouse facilities. Three storage methods were tested: (i) a hermetic Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bag; (ii) chemical pesticide Phostoxin; and (iii) an untreated ordinary polypropylene bag as a control. Naturally infested millet obtained from a large warehouse was assessed for each treatment at the start and end of a six-month storage period. Two insect pests were identified, T. granarium and Tribolium sp. Initial infestation levels were 60 larvae and 0.47 adults per 500 g. After six months, the control showed a 1.7-fold increase in T. granarium larvae, a 2.96-fold increase in its adults, and a 3.19-fold increase in Tribolium sp. adults, resulting in 19.15% weight loss. In contrast, PICS and Phostoxin treatments maintained initial pest levels with no weight loss. These results suggest that hermetic storage is a safe, effective, and chemical-free alternative for preserving millet in large warehouses.

Description du sujet. La production du chou pommé constitue une source importante de revenu et d’alimentation au Niger mais sa culture fait face à de nombreuses contraintes. Objectif. Cette étude vise à analyser les pratiques paysannes de production et à identifier ses contraintes dans la commune de Droum au Niger. Méthodes. Une enquête par questionnaire auprès de 160 producteurs a permis de collecter les données sur le profil socio-économique, les pratiques culturales, l’utilisation des intrants, l’irrigation, les ravageurs, la production, l’écoulement de la production et les revenus. Résultats. Les résultats montrent que la majorité des producteurs sont des hommes (96,0 %), âgés en moyenne de 43 ans, cultivant de petites superficies (0,56 ha en moyenne) et utilisant principalement des semis à la volée, des outils traditionnels et des variétés locales. La fertilisation repose essentiellement sur les engrais organiques et l’irrigation est assurée par puisettes et motopompes. Les principales contraintes sont le coût élevé des intrants, le manque de formation, l’insuffisance des moyens financiers et les attaques de ravageurs, notamment le ver gris. Les producteurs vendent majoritairement leur récolte entre 5 000 et 6 000 FCFA par sac de 100 kg, avec des fluctuations saisonnières importantes. Conclusion. Il est important de renforcer l’encadrement des producteurs afin d’accéder aux intrants, crédits agricoles et organisations collectives pour améliorer la productivité et la rentabilité de cette filière. Analysis of peasant practices and constraints to the production of headed cabbage (Brassica oleracea) in the commune of Droum, Zinder region, Niger Background. Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) production represents an important source of income and food security in Niger, but its cultivation faces numerous constraints. Objective. This study aims to analyze farmers’ production practices and identify the constraints affecting cabbage cultivation in the commune of Droum, Niger. Methods. A survey of 160 producers using a structured questionnaire was conducted to collect data on socio-economic profiles, cultural practices, use of inputs, irrigation, pests, production, marketing, and income. Results. The results show that the majority of producers are men (96.0 %), with an average age of 43 years, cultivating small areas (0.56 ha on average), and primarily using broadcast sowing, traditional tools, and local varieties. Fertilization is mainly based on organic fertilizers, and irrigation is performed using buckets and motor pumps. The main constraints identified are high input costs, lack of training, limited financial resources, and pest attacks, notably the grey worm. Most producers sell their harvest at 5,000–6,000 FCFA per 100-kg bag, with significant seasonal price fluctuations. Conclusion. Strengthening support for producers through access to inputs, agricultural credit, and collective organizations is crucial to improve the productivity and profitability of this sector.