Cotonou, Benin Republic: In the realm of crop breeding, where innovation meets the patient rhythm of nature, a critical challenge looms: predicting the future. With breeding cycles spanning 7 to 10 years, the risk of market preferences shifting dramatically is a constant concern. To address this, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) recently convened a workshop to equip cowpea Product Design Teams (PDTs) in West Africa with the tools to anticipate and adapt to evolving market demands.
The workshop, titled “Eliciting Near-Future Market Segments for Cowpea in Western Africa,” held on September 29, 2024, aimed to help breeders move beyond historical data and embrace participatory foresight. Prior to the event, extensive background research was conducted, analyzing key biophysical and socioeconomic drivers likely to influence cowpea production and consumption by the 2030s.
The findings painted a complex picture. Climate risks are projected to intensify, with rising temperatures and erratic rainfall. Socioeconomic factors, such as urbanization, population density, and income levels, are also expected to undergo significant shifts across the region. These projections formed the basis for discussions among the PDTs, who were tasked with identifying viable market segments for the near future.
While the PDTs largely concurred with the climate and socioeconomic projections, they also recognized the need to consider country-specific factors. The Niger PDT, for instance, highlighted the potential impact of recent government policies, particularly the “3N Initiative,” which aims to transform agriculture and enhance food security.
Intriguingly, the PDTs from Nigeria and Niger, the world’s leading cowpea producers, opted to retain the names of their existing market segments. However, they significantly modified the essential traits and features associated with these segments. This included incorporating considerations such as mechanization and agronomy, reflecting a move towards more integrated and efficient agricultural practices.
In contrast, the PDTs from Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ghana, and Mali adjusted both the names and the essential traits of their market segments to better align with the anticipated future trends. This reflects a dynamic approach to adapting breeding strategies to the evolving market landscape.
The workshop underscored the importance of proactive planning in crop breeding. By anticipating future market shifts, breeders can ensure that their efforts remain relevant and impactful, delivering improved cowpea varieties that meet the changing needs of West African farmers and consumers. This forward-thinking approach is crucial for securing food security and promoting sustainable agricultural development in the region.
