Kagezi Seeds and USAID Feed the Future Boost Cowpea Production in Zambia

Kagezi Seed Company Limited is playing a crucial role in boosting cowpea production in Zambia through its partnership with the USAID Feed the Fututre Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils Activity (VACS). This initiative focuses on strengthening the cowpea value chain in Zambia, with a particular emphasis on three key varieties: Lukusuzi, Lunkwankwa, and Namuseba.

These improved cowpea varieties offer significant advantages to farmers and consumers alike. Lukusuzi and Lunkwankwa are known for their high yield potential and early maturity, allowing farmers to harvest sooner and potentially achieve multiple harvests in a season. Mthilizi is a popular choice for its excellent taste, marketability and resistance to weevils. while Namuseba is equally early maturing and resistance to Striga, a parasitic weed that can severely impact cowpea yields.

Through the USAID Feed the Future VACS Activity, Kagezi Seeds is working to:

• Increase seed access: Making high-quality seeds of these improved varieties readily available to farmers in the target regions. This includes establishing reliable distribution channels and ensuring affordable prices. By August 2024, 294 smallholder farmers from the Districts of Katete, Petauke, Sinda, and Nyimba in Zambia’s Eastern Province had been provided with access to high-quality cowpea seeds.
• Provide technical training: Equipping farmers with the knowledge and skills to effectively cultivate these varieties, including best practices for planting, crop management, and pest control. A total of 1,023 smallholder farmers have received training in Zambia’s Eastern and Western Provinces.
• Strengthen market linkages: Facilitating connections between farmers and buyers, including processors and exporters, to ensure profitable market opportunities for their cowpea harvests.
• Promote climate-smart agriculture: Educating farmers on sustainable farming practices that enhance resilience to climate change, such as drought-tolerant planting techniques and water conservation. A total of 1,833 smallholder farmers have been engaged through various promotional and awareness activities.

The impact of this initiative is multi-faceted:

• Increased productivity: Farmers are experiencing higher yields and improved incomes due to the adoption of these superior cowpea varieties and improved farming practices.
• Enhanced food security: Greater cowpea production contributes to a more reliable and nutritious food supply for local communities.
• Empowered women and youth: The project prioritizes the inclusion of women and youth in training and market access activities, fostering economic empowerment and gender equality. To date, 619 women and 163 youths have been empowered through the USAID Feed the Future food security program.
• Sustainable agriculture: By promoting climate-smart practices, the initiative contributes to environmental sustainability and long-term agricultural productivity in the region.

Kagezi Seeds’ partnership with USAID Feed the Future VACS Activity exemplifies the positive impact that public-private collaborations can have on agricultural development, food security, and economic growth in Zambia. By focusing on improved cowpea varieties and empowering farmers with knowledge and resources, this initiative is creating a more resilient and prosperous future for the region.