Cowpeas farming in Kenya is done for the cowpeas seeds and also their leaves. The cowpeas are the easiest of the plants in the bean family to grow. They do well in the harshest of climates and require very little rainfall. Cowpeas are rarely grown under irrigation since they yield a lot of leaves when exposed to a lot of water but produce little grain. The rainfall required for the farming of cowpeas is about 200mm in the season of growth. Worth noting is that cowpeas are indigenous to Africa having been in the continent over 3000 years ago.
The cowpeas leaves are a good source of Vitamins A, B and C and are rich in calcium, phosphorus, carbohydrates proteins and fiber. Dried seeds contain protein and carbohydrates. Cowpeas are recommended for consumption, by health experts due to the health benefits.
In some areas cowpeas is grown for pasture, hay, silage as a cover crop and green manure.
Utilization: Cowpea can be used at all stages of growth as a vegetable crop. The tender green leaves and immature pods are used as vegetable. Green cowpea seeds are boiled, canned or frozen. Dry mature seeds are also suitable for boiling and canning.
