Abstract
Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is a multifunctional legume important to smallholder farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa due to its drought tolerance, high biomass production, food value, and contribution to soil fertility. However, its potential as a dual-purpose crop for food, fodder production, income generation, and nutrient recycling remains underutilized. This study evaluated cowpea clipping management as an integrated strategy for enhancing fodder production, soil nitrogen status, and smallholder livelihoods. Field experiments were conducted over four years in the Northern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria using a factorial combination of three intra-row spacings (15, 30, and 45 cm), three clipping heights (0, 12.5, and 25 cm), and three clipping times (64, 74, and 84 days after planting), arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data were collected on fresh fodder yield, soil nitrogen enrichment, and economic returns. The 15 cm spacing produced the highest fodder yield (18.96 t ha⁻¹), with an estimated value of ₦56,946. Clipping and incorporation of biomass increased cumulative soil nitrogen by approximately 187 kg N ha⁻¹, representing a 70% increase over non-clipped plots and estimated fertilizer savings of ₦18,000–₦24,000 ha⁻¹. Clipping at 74 days after planting maximized fodder yield (19.31 tha⁻¹) and profitability (₦58,356). The findings demonstrate that cowpea clipping can simultaneously provide food and fodder, improve soil fertility, diversify income, and strengthen climate-resilient smallholder farming systems.
Biography
Banake E. Sambo, has been engaged in aspects of Crop Production since 2004. He obtained a P.hD., in Agronomy, from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Nigeria in 2009. He is an Agronomist, Academic Administrator and Agricultural Development Expert who currently serves as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria. He has built a multidisciplinary career spanning Agricultural Industry Management, University Teaching, Research, and International Development Consultancy. His research focuses on Organic Agriculture, Ecological Farming, Conservation Agriculture, and Sustainable Farming Systems. He has served as Consultant Agronomist on International Programmes including United State Agency for International Development (USAID)/ Nigerian Breweries (NBL) Sorghum Development Programme and the Mastercard Foundation, Ginger Resilience and Recovery Programme, Kaduna, Nigeria.
