The PBR Cowpea Project is a public-private partnership that has developed and is disseminating cowpea with resistance to Maruca pod borer for increased productivity.
Cowpea is one of the most important legume food crops in Sub-Saharan Af¬rica where it constitutes the major pro¬tein source for low-income people both in rural and urban centers. Cowpea production is affected by insect pests, especially Maruca pod borer, that causes the largest loss to cultivation, reducing grain yield by up to 80% and lowering quality of the grain. For the for the benefit of African farmers, African scientists identified PBR Cowpea (Bt cowpea), with in-built protection against Maruca damage, as a solution for Maruca Damage.

PBR Cowpea has been developed through a public-private partnership coordinated by AATF and bringing together leading African and international institutions.
The Project is implemented in Burki¬na Faso, Ghana, Nigeria and Malawi. Over the last 11 years, it has recorded significant milestones including the first commercial release of the product in Nigeria and the world.
The Cowpea, known as PBR Cowpea, will increase production through control of Maruca pod borer. The benefits will include larger harvests, higher incomes and improved health through the reduced need for harmful treatments.

Vision of Success/Goal
1) Reach at least 2 million households; 12 million farm family members in the 12 countries.
2) Increase maize productivity by at least 30%
3) Enhance incomes by at least 20% for those households involved in the maize value chain
4) At least 40%-women and 25%-youth involvement in the maize value chain by 2020
5) 12 million tons of maize grain generated from the Maize value chain