<div style="text-align: justify;">The objective of this study was to select cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.) varieties that meet farmers&rsquo; needs in Namibia, from a set of newly developed and elite cowpea varieties developed through gamma irradiation. Thirty four candidate mutant cowpea varieties derived from three local varieties, (Shindimba, Bira and Nakare), were evaluated for nine agronomic traits. The new genotypes descended from Bira were favourably selected by all participants for their best plant cover. The genotype L1P12 (Bi450) was preferred by 81 percent percent of farmers for its higher pod setting ability. The genotype R4P5 (Nk150) with longer pod size and R3P1 (Bi600) with early maturity were ideal candidates preferred by nearly all farmers. The present study has identified farmers&rsquo; most-preferred cowpea varieties selected for their best agronomic performances and drought tolerance. These selected cowpea genotype lines will further be subjected to distinct, uniformity and stability trials for varietal registration and release.&nbsp;</div>

Participatory varietal selection among elite cowpea genotypes in northern Namibia

<div style="text-align: justify;">Three hundred and ninety two (n = 392) blood samples from randomly selected cattle were subjected to the indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test to test for antibodies against Babesia spp. The proportions of males (49%) and females (51%) included in the study did not differ significantly. Cattle that were &sup3;5 years constituted 63% of the sampled animals, while cattle that &nbsp;were 0-2 years old were in the minority (14%). Babesia bigemina had the highest prevalence (36.5%), while mixed infections had the least prevalence (13.2%). Based on age, cattle that were 3-4 years old had the highest prevalence of both B. bovis (23.9%) and B. bigemina (44.6 %). Cattle in the 0-2 year age category had the lowest prevalence of both B. bovis (12.3%) and B. bigemina (29.8 %). The 3- 4 years old age category also had the highest prevalence (18.5 %) of mixed infections, while the 0-2-years old had the lowest (8.8%). Overall, B. bigemina had the highest prevalence; however the level of the prevalence of babesiosis in the study area was not at the point where the region could be considered endemically stable.There was no significant association between infection and age, gender and place.</div>

Prevalence of babesiosis in Sanga cattle in the Ohangwena region of Namibia

<p><strong>Background:</strong> The productivity of Bambara groundnut [<em>Vigna subterranea</em> (L.) Verdc] is gradually decreasing in subsistence farming systems due to various factors, including climate-related issues, socioeconomic limitations and farming practices. This study aimed to identify the reasons for this decrease by examining factors like farming methods, seed color preferences, input quantities and production constraints.<br />
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<strong>Methods:</strong> A participatory rural appraisal study was conducted in the Mukwe and Ndiyona constituencies. Four villages per constituency were selected for the study. A structured questionnaire was employed to collect data on demographics, Bambara groundnut farming practices (including farm size, yield, uses and seed preferences), farming inputs and production constraints.<br />
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<strong>Result:</strong> The study found that most farmers (77.8%) allocated less than one hectare of land annually for Bambara groundnut cultivation. Around 66.7% of farmers reported low yields, typically between 1 and 100 kg per season. Most farmers (85.7%) grew Bambara groundnuts primarily for household consumption, with only 14.3% focusing on income generation. Cream-seeded Bambara groundnuts were the preferred choice among farmers due to their early maturation, high yield potential and ease of preparation. The main production challenges identified in the region included field pests, low yields, lack of improved varieties, expensive labor and high seed costs. To address these issues, the study recommended breeding for improved varieties and using inoculants to increase crop output. These approaches aim to boost yields and provide nitrogen enrichment for subsequent crops.</p>


Participatory varietal selection among elite cowpea genotypes in northern Namibia

Prevalence of babesiosis in Sanga cattle in the Ohangwena region of Namibia

Bambara groundnuts [Vigna subterranea (L.)Verdc] Production Systems in Kavango East Region, Northern Namibia