Spotlight on cowpeas: Higher yields through optimized photosynthesis

In the face of growing challenges posed by climate change and resource scarcity, food security in sub-Saharan Africa is coming under increasing pressure. Extreme weather conditions, depleted soils, and a rising population are further aggravating the situation. This makes innovative approaches that boost agricultural productivity even under difficult conditions all the more urgent, for they can have a big impact on fighting malnutrition.

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), also known as black-eyed bean, plays a central role in this context. For many people in the region, it is one of the most important plant-based sources of protein. This crop features a remarkable adaptability: it tolerates drought relatively well and thrives even on nutrient-poor soils. It also fixes nitrogen from the air, thereby improving soil fertility—a crucial advantage in regions with limited access to fertilizers. Cowpea offers further potential that goes beyond its role as a source of protein. Its leaves are edible and rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a versatile food source. It also plays an important role in traditional farming systems, such as in intercropping with grains, as it can help stabilize yields. In many regions, it is also economically significant, as it is produced not only for subsistence but also for local markets. Despite these positive characteristics, its yield has so far fallen short of the potential necessary for sustainable food security.

This is where the SCOPE project comes in. By an innovative research approach that improves the plant’s photosynthetic performance, the project aims to increase cowpea’s productivity by at least 20 percent thereby help bridge the gap between growing demand and limited food and feed production.

To achieve this ambitious goal, several international partners are pooling their expertise. Under the supervision and financial support of Gates Agricultural Innovations Fraunhofer IME coordinates the project and works closely with research institutions in Ghana and Nigeria. Together, they combine expertise in molecular biology, plant physiology, breeding, and field research. While modern biotechnological methods are being developed to improve photosynthesis, extensive field trials ensure that the optimized plants can thrive under real-world-conditions.

A crucial aspect of the project is therefore not only the scientific development of new varieties but also their practical availability, as the improved cowpeas are to be made specifically accessible to smallholder farms that form the backbone of agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa.

In the long term, SCOPE has a clear vision: more resilient agriculture, higher yields, and a better food situation for millions of people.