Two hundred and fifty households comprising in general three adults and four children were randomly sampled in and around Nsukka Local Government Area in Anambra State, Nigeria, to investigate the patterns of consumption and utilisation of cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata), with the long‐term aim of finding ways of maximising its production and consumption. Information was obtained by means of a questionnaire administered in the households, and general physique was assessed by anthropométrie measurements on pre‐school children. The study showed that 13 % of the children investigated were mildly malnourished according to their weight‐for‐height, while 41 % were stunted. It was found that cowpea was very popular; being consumed twice a week or more often by 88 % of respondents, usually in the form of bean‐staple mixes, and 96 % of the households used cowpea for infant feeding. Different techniques for repelling weevils during household storage and current methods of preparing traditional cowpea foods were reported. Reasons for infrequent preparation of these foods were identified. The possible role of an inexpensive, locally manufactured weaning food based on cowpea is discussed.
Ecology of Food and Nutrition
Volume 16, 1985 - Issue 3
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