Cowpea

Cowpeas become akara, moin moin and ewa agoyin – Nigeria grows them on a larger scale than any other country in the world.

The cowpea, also known as the black-eyed pea, is a plant of the legume family with trifoliate leaves, growing as a bushy, sprawling or climbing form. It has white, cream or purple flowers and long, narrow pods with seeds that often have a dark “eye” around the hilum. It is exceptionally resistant to drought and heat, and thanks to its root nodules it fixes nitrogen and enriches the soil. The seeds are rich in protein, and the leaves and young pods are also eaten.

Significance in the country

Nigeria is the world’s largest cowpea producer and accounts for a substantial share of the global harvest. Fried akara fritters, steamed moin moin pudding and stewed ewa agoyin beans are among the most popular street foods and breakfast dishes across the country.

Where it grows

Grown above all on the savannas of the north – in Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Zamfara and Bauchi states – and in the central belt of the country.

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