Economic returns to cowpea research,extension, and input distribution in Senegal

This paper calculates the rate of return to a set of cowpea research, extension and distribution projects in Senegal to be between 31% and 92%. The results show that a modestly funded program on a secondary crop can be successful. They also indicate that programs may increase their effectiveness by addressing specific household needs – in this case, by focusing on short-cycle varieties that provide food during the hunger season prior to the traditional harvest.