Tanzania Pigeonpeas

Recently I've had the privilege to work on a project in Tanzania with pigeonpeas. The purpose it to track the impact of several initiatives by ICRISAT (International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics) including 1) the development of new varieties of pigeonpea which are resistant to a fungus, fusarium wilt, which destroyed crops in Tanzania beginning in the 1990s and 2) the processing/marketing of pigeonpeas to India and the EU.

To carry out an impact assessment study takes several steps.

First is survey development. We figure out what we think are important questions to ask the farmer such as "Did you have problems with fungus this season?" or "Did you plant the fungus-resistant variety?" and "What was the average yield?" This takes place in the US and requires some reading of all previous reports and publications on pigeonpeas in Tanzania.

Next is the fun part: survey testing. I love being in the field and talking to farmers, hearing about their success and struggles. I can't believe this is my job!!

We arrive at a farmers house where neighbors have gathered to help us test the survey.

These are pigeonpeas in the field! (Most are already harvested)

 

Pigeonpeas fix nitrogen so they don't require fertilizer and are often intercropped with corn.

 Notice the enumerators asking farmers questions in the shade of corn stocks that will be used to feed cattle and goats.

 The owner of this farm also sells pigeonpea seed to her neighbors.

 Pigeonpea stems are used as cooking fuel, reducing reliance on firewood.

This house was built with pigeonpeas! (The truck is ours).

After testing the survey, it will be administered to over 700 farmers in 4 districts. This is a time-intensive project that will begin soon. Pigeonpeas are a great crop for small farmers. They can be used for cash, or they can eat the protein-rich peas. Pigeonpeas cook quickly, stems can be used for fuel, and they produce nitrogen naturally (organic fertilizer). The amount of pigeonpeas produced has increased considerably over the years. It seems like a success overall!

I've learned a lot so far, and look forward to finding out more through the survey results.