Production Constraints and Improvement Strategies of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) Genotypes for Drought Tolerance

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp. L) is an important leguminous crop largely grown by smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa for food security and animal feed. The objective of this study was to review the production constraints improvement strategies cowpea genotypes drought tolerance. Data were analysed through use literature from various sources. In Africa, cowpeas are produced mainly West which accounts 60% worldwide production. A lot pests diseases affect cowpeas, often results total loss. Through continuous improvement, many new cultivars continually being identified genetically characterised, it thus necessary evaluate these lines under different environments. There a need multidisciplinary collaborations among breeders other relevant stakeholders such as farmer extension workers because improved must be according preferred traits. Due declining rainfall pattern there urgent requirement breeding programmes that focus on developing varieties with short maturity, drought, pest, disease present discusses