Harnessing Cowpea and Bambara Groundnut: Climate-Resilient Superfoods for Africa’s Food Security

On February 10, World Pulses Day serves as a reminder of the vital role pulses play in transforming global food systems, offering both nutritional benefits and environmental advantages. For many across sub-Saharan Africa, pulses like Cowpea and Bambara groundnut are often underappreciated, despite their potential to revolutionize the agricultural landscape. Reflecting on my own journey, I grew up in Kenya, where meat was a rarity, and pulses were considered a humble, unremarkable part of the diet. As I advanced in my career as a nutritionist, I began to truly understand the transformative potential of pulses—not only as a rich source of nutrition but as pivotal players in the fight against climate change, hunger, and food insecurity. Today, pulses are a regular feature on my family’s menu, added to stews, sauces, or even enjoyed as snacks.

Yet, many Africans still harbor misconceptions about pulses, often dismissing them as mere side dishes. World Pulses Day offers an important opportunity to highlight the untapped potential of pulses—specifically Cowpea and Bambara groundnut—which could become cornerstone crops for the future of African agriculture, enhancing food security and providing resilient solutions to the challenges posed by climate change.

Cowpea: The “Poor Man’s Meat” with Endless Possibilities

Cowpea, often referred to as “the poor man’s meat,” is an exceptionally versatile and resilient crop. Not only is it packed with protein, but its ability to thrive in drought-prone areas makes it an indispensable food source for communities struggling with unpredictable climate patterns. In recent years, cutting-edge research, especially highlighted at the 7th World Cowpea Research Conference in September 2024, has revealed significant strides in developing climate-resilient cowpea varieties. These varieties exhibit not only higher yields but also enhanced nutritional profiles, which means that smallholder farmers can rely on this crop even in the harshest environments. This provides a much-needed lifeline for farmers in areas where food security is an ongoing struggle. Cowpea’s resilience to climate stress, coupled with its potential to serve as a nutritious food source, offers a critical foundation for both food and economic security in Africa.

Bambara Groundnut: A Nutrient Powerhouse and a Climate Solution

Bambara groundnut, often referred to as “the complete food,” is another pulse with enormous potential. Renowned for its high nutrient density and ability to grow in marginal soils, Bambara groundnut holds promise for areas where traditional crops often fail to grow. Its resilience makes it a powerful tool for combating food insecurity, especially in regions with erratic weather patterns or poor soil conditions. At the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), where I work, we are engaged in research to integrate Bambara groundnut into diverse farming systems across sub-Saharan Africa. This pulse is not just a valuable food source; it also provides a source of income for smallholder farmers, improves soil health, and enhances agricultural sustainability. Bambara groundnut’s dual benefits—as a food security crop and as an income-generating product—make it a game-changer in the fight against hunger and malnutrition.

The Climate Resilience of Pulses: Cowpea and Bambara Groundnut in a Changing World

The ongoing climate crisis exacerbates existing food security challenges across sub-Saharan Africa. Changing weather patterns, including prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall, put immense pressure on agricultural production. Pulses like Cowpea and Bambara groundnut offer a sustainable solution, as their natural drought tolerance and soil-enriching properties make them ideal candidates for improving agricultural resilience. Both crops are particularly valuable in arid and semi-arid regions, where they can be relied upon to produce food even when other crops fail. Pulses also enrich soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and promoting sustainable farming practices.

Furthermore, pulses have a relatively low environmental footprint compared to staple crops like rice and wheat. They produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a reduction in the overall environmental impact of agriculture. This makes pulses not only a solution for food security but also a crucial part of the global effort to mitigate climate change.

Overcoming Barriers: Investment, Awareness, and Support

Despite their immense potential, Cowpea and Bambara groundnut remain underutilized in many parts of Africa due to limited private-sector investment, inadequate market infrastructure, and low consumer awareness. For these crops to reach their full potential, strategic interventions are needed. Increased investment in Cowpea and Bambara groundnut value chains can help integrate these pulses into local and global markets. The success of quinoa, which has gained popularity through innovative products like fortified flours, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals, serves as an inspiring example of how pulses can be positioned as marketable and desirable products.

Equally important is raising awareness among the younger generation in Africa. Many young people are unfamiliar with pulses, as they did not grow up consuming them regularly. Public awareness campaigns are essential for educating communities about the nutritional and environmental benefits of pulses. By demonstrating how versatile and delicious these crops can be, we can encourage wider adoption of pulses in everyday diets, thereby promoting healthier eating habits and sustainable food practices.

For smallholder farmers, it is vital that government support goes beyond awareness campaigns. Access to improved seed varieties, technical training, and market linkages are essential for enabling farmers to scale their operations and improve their livelihoods. By supporting farmers in this way, we can ensure that they are not only growing resilient crops but are also benefitting economically from their contributions to food systems.

A Collaborative Approach to Unlock the Potential of Pulses

The theme for this year’s World Pulses Day, “Pulses: Bringing Diversity to Agrifood Systems,” emphasizes the transformative power of pulses like Cowpea and Bambara groundnut in building resilient food systems. However, realizing the full potential of these crops requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders—governments, international organizations, development agencies, the private sector, and philanthropic bodies. Investment in research, infrastructure, and market development is crucial to unlocking the value of pulses and ensuring they reach the communities that need them the most.

Through partnerships and collaborations with organizations like CGIAR and National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS), as well as continued investment in agricultural research, we can unlock new varieties and farming techniques that will increase the availability and productivity of Cowpea and Bambara groundnut.

A Call to Action

On this World Pulses Day, let us commit to championing Cowpea and Bambara groundnut—not just as crops but as powerful tools for change. By investing in these resilient pulses and integrating them into food systems across Africa, we can address multiple challenges at once: ensuring food security, improving nutrition, reducing environmental impacts, and boosting economic opportunities for smallholder farmers.

Together, we can elevate these pulses into household staples across Africa, transforming them from underappreciated foods into vital contributors to a sustainable, resilient, and equitable future for all.

Contributed by Mercy Lung’aho
Program Lead for Food Security, Nutrition and Health

AR Managing Editor (2025). Harnessing Cowpea and Bambara Groundnut: Climate-Resilient Superfoods for Africa’s Food Security. Retrieved from https://www.africanresearchers.org/harnessing-cowpea-and-bambara-groundnut-climate-resilient-superfoods-for-africas-food-security/