Incidence of Insect Pests on Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) in Smallholder Farms in Sokoto State, North West Nigeria

Cowpea is a vital protein source and cash crop for millions of smallholder farmers in northern Nigeria, yet its production is severely constrained by a diverse complex of insect pests attacking plants at all developmental stages. Sokoto State, located in the arid North West zone, experiences climatic conditions that support high populations of cowpea insect pests. This study investigates the incidence, abundance, and damage levels of insect pests on cowpea across smallholder farms in three LGAs of Sokoto State during the main cropping season. Weekly field observations will be conducted on 45 farms to record pest species present at vegetative, flowering, and podding stages. Insects will be identified to species using standard manuals, and damage severity will be rated for each growth stage. A farmer survey will document pest recognition capacity and pesticide use patterns. Descriptive statistics and correlation analyses will be performed to determine relationships between pest abundance and crop damage. The study anticipates finding Megalurothrips sjostedti, Maruca vitrata, and Clavigralla tomentosicollis among the dominant pest species. Findings will provide local extension services with current pest monitoring data relevant to the region. Recommendations on economic threshold management and the use of improved cowpea varieties will be discussed. Keywords: cowpea pests, Vigna unguiculata, Sokoto State, smallholder farms, pest incidence