Creating Functional Marketing of Cowpea as Source of Employment for Nigerian Youth

Abstract

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) is an important cash crop that can be used as means for economic development in Nigeria. Cowpea is also a cheap source of plant protein widely consumed in Nigeria in different forms . Significant quantity and quality of cowpea is lost annually due to poor marketing and production. This paper aims at suggesting ways of improving cowpea marketing through improved processing, grading , packaging ,storage and pricing. Improved marketing system of cowpea can lead to increase production with less product loss due to pest, diseases and weather. Further processing means adding value to the product, expanding the marketing chain and channel, and this leads to increasing job opportunities to our teaming population. Nigeria is the largest cowpea producer and also the most populous in Africa hence ready market for cowpea since cowpea is consumed world wide with little or no religious taboos. Cowpea is an important means of increasing nutritive value of our diet and also increases employment opportunities