SIMLAW SEEDS Cowpeas seeds ken kunde 1 (kk1)

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)

Local names in Kenya (Kunde, Alot bo, Likhubi)

Cowpea is an annual herbaceous legume and a dual-purpose security crop grown for its seeds which is high in protein and immature leaves and seeds can also be consumed. The seeds are usually cooked and made in stew and curries or grounded into flour or paste. It belongs to the bean family and is one of the oldest crops to be farmed. Their growth habit is climbing, spreading or erect. Cowpeas are mainly important in the marginal rainfall areas because they are well adapted to dry climate and suitable for a variety of intercropping systems. The crop exhibits much variation in growth habit, leaf shape, flower color and seed size and color. The plant root nodule is able to fix atmospheric Nitrogen making it a valuable crop for resource poor farmers.