Farm Management Practices and Yield Performance of Cowpea Farmers in Sokoto State

Cowpea is a drought-tolerant legume that serves as a major source of dietary protein and farm income for smallholder households in the Sahel agro-ecological zone of Sokoto State, in Nigeria's North West geopolitical zone. Despite its importance, yield levels among smallholder producers remain far below achievable potential, partly due to suboptimal management practices. This study assesses how farm management practices influence cowpea yield performance in Sokoto State. A total of 135 cowpea farmers were sampled using a multi-stage random procedure across three local government areas. Farm management variables including planting date compliance, fertiliser application, pest control frequency, and weeding intensity were documented alongside yield measurements. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. Findings indicate that timely planting, phosphorus fertiliser use, and insecticide application at pod formation stage are the most significant management predictors of yield. Farmers following all three best practices recorded yields averaging 850 kg per hectare, compared to the state average of 480 kg per hectare. Over 60 percent of respondents applied no chemical pest control, resulting in substantial yield losses from pod-boring insects. Extension visit frequency was positively and significantly associated with management compliance. The study recommends the intensification of agricultural extension services in Sokoto and the promotion of integrated pest management techniques among cowpea farmers to close the yield gap. Keywords: cowpea, farm management, yield, Sokoto State, pest management