Adaptation of a double hopper seeder for the improvement of cowpea productivity (Vigna unguiculata) in Niger: Case of the Maradi and Zinder regions

• Published in: International journal of innovation and applied studies Vol. 46; no. 2; pp. 165 - 174
• Main Authors: Mamane, Abdoulahi, Warouma, Arifa, Kyari, Saidou Addam, Aune, Jens Bernt
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Rabat International Journal of Innovation and Applied Studies 01.08.2025
• Subjects: Adaptation; Agricultural production; Agriculture; Climate change; Composting; Cowpeas; Crop yield; Design; Fertilization; Fertilizers; Labor productivity; Legumes; Mechanization; Nitrogen; Productivity; Seeders; Seeds; Niger; West Africa
• ISSN: 2028-9324

This study aims to evaluate the effect of using the adapted Gangaria seeder combined with localized organomineral fertilization on labor productivity, yield and profitability of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) cultivation in Niger. A randomized block trial with four treatments crossing sowing method (manual or mechanized) and fertilization (with or without microdose) was conducted over two (2) agricultural seasons (2023 and 2024) in the Mardi and Zinder region. The results show that mechanized sowing halved the working time per hectare and contributed to a significant improvement in grain yields up to 959 kgha -1and dried haulm (1052 kgha-1) at the level of the mechanized treatment combined with localized fertilizer inputs (T3). Mechanization alone resulted in an increase in grain yield of 180 kg/ha, a 26.8% improvement compared to manual sowing. The average yield of the two treatments obtained with the application of microdoses of compost was 274 kg/ha higher than the yield in the two treatments without microdoses, which corresponds to an increase of 43.0%. Compared to manual sowing, the economic analysis shows that mechanized sowing without fertilizer application (T2) generates the highest net margin, due to the high cost of purchased compost. Local production of com post th us appears asan alternative to optimize the benefits of the technology. The use of the adapted Gangaria seeder constitutes a promising strategy to sustainably increase agricultural productivity and improve the agricultural incomes of cowpea producers in Niger.