Project
Increasing Utilization of Cowpeas to Promote Health and Food Security in Africa
Details
Project Code:
TAMU-1
Start Date:
2010
End Date:
2012/12/31
CRSP Phase:
Phase 2
Budget:
$611,087
Countries:
Kenya, South Africa, Zambia
Participants
Lead University:
Texas A&M University
Other Partners:
U of Zambia; ZARI; Egerton University; U of P
Principal Investigator(s):
Joseph Awika
Co-Principal Investigator(s):
Susanne Talcott, TAMU, U.S.; Lloyd Rooney, TAMU, U.S.; Bir Bahadur Singh, TAMU, U.S.; Chitundu Kasase, U of Z, Zambia; John Shindano, U of Z, Zambia; Kalaluka Lwanga Munyinda, U of Z, Zambia; Kennedy Muimui, ZARI, Zambia; Abdul Faraj, Egerton University, Kenya; Prisca Tuitoek, Egerton University, Kenya; Amanda Minnaar, U of P, South Africa; Gyebi Duodu, U of P, South Africa
Links
Overview
Many poor families in Sub Saharan Africa suffer high rates of malnutrition, especially among children, while diet-related chronic diseases have become a common phenomenon among urban African populations. Moreover, evidence indicates that childhood malnutrition may lead to increased risk of chronic diseases, e.g., cancer in adulthood. In fact nutrition-related chronic diseases are becoming increasingly common in Africa, especially in urban areas, thus putting a large strain on the limited health infrastructure and imposing economic burden among the poor.
Objectives
1. Identify cowpea lines with high content of health enhancing compounds and their relationship to seed color and other seed traits. 2. Elucidate the mode of inheritance (heritability) of selected bioactive traits in cowpea and genetic association between physical and bioactive traits. 3. Establish strong linkages with HC policymakers and other stakeholders, and develop outreach strategies that will lead to long term increase in cowpea consumption for health and food security. 4. Strengthen cowpea nutrition research in Kenya and Zambia
Outcomes
Coming soon
