Cowpea infestation and effects of crop-storage relationship at Dawanau International Market, Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out at Dawanau International Market in Dawanau town, Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area, Kano State. To investigate the pest-crop-storage relationship of cowpea storage and marketing, forty questionnaires were distributed to wholesalers (20) and retailers (20). Data from structured questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the results show that packing structures, storage location, tonnage stored, and structure condition have proportional effects on pest-crop-storage dynamism on cowpea (37.5%).  Poor sanitary measures at the store, the cost of triple bagging, and the scarcity of jute bags all contribute to the international market’s dynamism of pest and pest challenges. It is critical that government intervention and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) collaborate with marketers to effectively develop modern storage to improve cowpea storage and handling practices and prevent the misuse of synthetic pesticides that lead to the development of killer beans.