Pigeonpea production constraints and farmers’ trait preferences in Malawi: implications for variety design

Pigeonpea Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. is the most important legume cash crop grown in Malawi. However, productivity is low due to biotic and abiotic stresses and socioeconomic constraints. The objectives of this study were to determine farmers’ perceived constraints to pigeonpea production and to identify the varieties and traits preferred by farmers in Malawi. A participatory rural appraisal was conducted in four major pigeonpea growing districts (viz. Chiradzulu, Mulanje, Thyolo and Zomba) in Malawi. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, focus group discussions and transect walks. ‘Mthawajuni’ was the most preferred variety grown by 45% of the respondents, due to its palatability and resistance to pod borers. The farmers identified insects, diseases, late-maturing varieties and small land holdings as the most important constraints to pigeonpea production in Malawi. Short cooking time, palatability, high yield, early maturity, long shelf-life, pest and disease resistance, large seeds and cream colour were the most preferred traits of the pigeonpea. The constraints experienced by farmers and their preferences for the identified traits should be considered as selection criteria during the breeding of new pigeonpea varieties in Malawi.