Submitter: ICRISAT
Scaling of early maturing, vegetable-type pigeonpea varieties in Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA), particularly in Kenya, Tanzania, and Malawi, focuses on varietal development, seed systems, farmer engagement, and market dynamics, with contributions from ICRISAT and national agricultural research systems (NARS) to enhancing pigeonpea production and productivity in the region.
The release of nine improved pigeonpea varieties across Eastern and Southern Africa Viz., ICEAP 00850 and ICEAP 00936 – Kenya, ICEAP 00557 (Mwaiwathu Alimi) and ICEAP 01514/15 – Malawi, ICEAP 00040 (Mali / Kachangu), ICEAP 00020, ICEAP 00554, ICEAP 00554, ICEAP 00557 in Mozambique and ICEAP 00576-1 in Tanzania. Tanzania/Malawi has significantly boosted agricultural productivity and resilience among smallholder farmers. These varieties, characterised by high yield potential and resistance to Fusarium wilt and drought, have enabled farmers in Tanzania, Malawi, and Mozambique to expand cultivation into new regions and improve food security. Their adaptability to diverse agroecologies and shorter cooking times has also enhanced marketability and household nutrition, making pigeonpea a more viable crop for both subsistence and commercial farming.
The solution is scalable through community-based seed production, integration of formal and informal seed systems, and expansion to new districts and countries. The use of farmer field schools and seed banks supports sustainability in the ESA region.
ICRISAT, DAR- Malawi, TARI- Tanzania, KALRO- Kenya, IIAM- Mozambique and seed companies
Prakash Gangashetty, Prakash.Gangashetty@icrisat.org
