How CGIAR’s preferred data management platform advances IITA legume breeding

Cowpea and soybean, two legumes, may not be as widely recognized as wheat or maize, but their importance to developing countries is undeniable.  

Cowpea, a staple food and animal feed grown in semi-arid regions, is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It’s drought-tolerant, thrives in various soils, and enriches soil fertility by fixing nitrogen. Soybean, too, is a powerhouse of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, serving as a cost-effective alternative to meat and enhancing soil fertility in regions where fertilizers are scarce. 

For decades, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has been at the forefront of improving these leguminous crops. We’ve successfully released high-yielding, climate resilient (early maturing, pest- and disease-tolerant) varieties of soybean and cowpea across the globe. 

We focus on these crops not only for their nutritional benefits, which complement diets that include maize and wheat, but also for their environmental preservation qualities and their potential to generate jobs and income for households.  

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