Exploring farmer perspectives on Bambara Groundnut [Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc]: Production constraints, preferred varietal traits and implications for varietal development in Northern Namibia

Josephine Tafadzwa Pasipanodya ^1* Lydia Ndinelao Horn ¹ cecil Togarepi ¹ Julia Sibiya ² Rudo Musango ³ Enoch G. Achigan-Dako ⁴

• ¹ University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
• ² University of KwaZulu Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
• ³ Haramaya University, Harar, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
• ⁴ University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Atlantique, Benin

Bambara groundnut is a crop of importance in farming systems owing to its ability to perform under marginalized conditions. In Namibia, Bambara groundnut is one of the few legume crops that are grown for human consumption and is adapted to the local growing conditions. However, the crop is produced at subsistence level and sold as boiled snack from the unshelled fresh pods. Its yield levels are low and there is a lack of a dedicated improvement program. This study was carried out to determine what is the status of Bambara groundnut production and its constraints in Namibia. In addition, what are the farmer's preferred varietal characteristics, choice of ideotypes, and motivators which can lead to more production of the crop. Data was collected through participatory approaches involving 112 semi-structured interviews, 74 focus group respondents and transect walks. Findings revealed that it was a gender-neutral crop in production, although there were role specificities for men and women. Land preparation depended on tillage implements (43% of tractors and animal-drawn power each, and 11% hand hoes). The ridge and furrow was the widely adopted planting method (72%) and served as a coping mechanism to limited water resources. Farmers utilized indigenous knowledge on crop management and seed preservation. Most farmers (71%) grow mixed seeds, whilst 29% grow a pure stand. Varietal preferences were highly diverse on seed color (cream 40%, red 20%, cream mottled 19%, black 13%, other colors 3%). Informal channels dominated the seed distribution (51% open market, 41% as exchanges, 8% public-private). Production constraints were many, however, unreliable rainfall and the absence of improved varieties were the most prevalent production constraints. This study recommends breeding for higher yield, drought resistant and early maturing varieties in combination with the other preferred traits. In essence, pre-breeding strategies should incorporate earliness to maturity as a drought escape mechanism for the normal to below rainfall regions, with medium maturity as an option for northeast Namibia since it receives moderately above normal rainfalls during most seasons. The choice of ideotype that farmers preferred should possess early maturity, drought tolerance, high yield, prolificacy, and a bunched type.