Project Info
Project Description
The Maize and Cowpea for sustainable food and nutrition security in Western and Central Africa (MACOWECA) project has been conceived for the need of addressing the cropping system of maize and cowpea. Despite the importance of these two crops in the target countries (Ivory Coast, Central African Republic and Burkina Faso), the cropping system is still not developed and sustainable, mainly due to the crops’ natural characteristics and to current human practices. MACOWECA project funded by The African Union therefore set up as a general objective of contributing to improving food and nutrition security in Western and Central Africa. This section is to highlight the main action implemented in the second year of the project. A meeting was held between the project coordinator and management team of Burkina Faso to plan year 2 activities and share lessons learnt from the implementation of year 1 activities
During this period 14 sub-activities divided into 6 main activities were carried out in the three countries. 61% of activities planned are in progress. The pests of both crops are very well identified. (1) Natural pesticides against them are selecting to be test at research station, (2) the activities to improve cowpea and maize intercropping are fully carried out, results are very good. The results of action are positive giving the enthusiasm of producers. Also, the products sent are well appreciated by producers regarding the general short cycle of the proposed varieties, the use of organic fertilizer, which is in line with the specific and general objectives of the project. (3) seeds post-harvest treatment is beginning in Burkina faso and Republic of central Africa. The implementation of multi-stakeholders’ platforms will be achieved before the end of the semester 1 (2021).
Coordinator: NEYA Bouma James (INERA)
