Characterization of the peri-urban system of animal feed based on cowpea by- products in the sub-Sahelian area: The case of Niamey Region (Niger)

Abstract

A stakeholders survey was conducted using cowpea by-products in the Niamey region. The aim of the survey was to determine the different practices, the usage and trading of cowpea by-products in animal feed. A total of one hundred and fifty (150) breeders and one hundred and twenty-five (125) resellers of cowpea by- products were surveyed. The results showed that Djermas aged 40-59 were the majority of farmers (48.7%) and resellers (88%) of cowpea haul, while the Hausa trade on cowpea pods (56%). The tops and pods were distributed in bulk and in kind. The lost of tops lopes of the range 170 to 210 g (approximately 5%) during the transport of tops was recorded. The semi-wholesalers mainly supply the users of cowpea by-products after harvest, depending on their storage and working capital. The storage of tops was done on worn tires, while the pods were laid on canvas. In urban areas, livestock was practiced much more for sacrifice while in peripheral areas, it is practiced to meet the daily needs. All these data increase hope and provide good prospects on the valuation of cowpea by-products in livestock food for which it is necessary to envisage a long-term monitoring and especially to evaluate the effect of the valuation of these products.