The impact of genetically modified cowpea on yields, postharvest losses, and profitability in Nigeria: Findings from a cluster randomized controlled trial

We assess the impacts of a genetically modified pod borer-resistant (PBR) cowpea variety in Nigeria through a cluster randomized controlled trial conducted in two major cowpea-cultivating states. Our design allows us to examine the impacts of PBR cowpea with and without a package of complementary in...

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Main Authors: Amare, Mulubrhan, Andam, Kwaw S., Spielman, David J., Bamiwuye, Temilolu, Zambrano, Patricia, Chambers, Judith A., Fasoranti, Adetunji, Popoola, Olufemi
Format: Artículo preliminar
Language:Inglés
Published: International Food Policy Research Institute 2025
Subjects:
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/10568/178553
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author Amare, Mulubrhan
Andam, Kwaw S.
Spielman, David J.
Bamiwuye, Temilolu
Zambrano, Patricia
Chambers, Judith A.
Fasoranti, Adetunji
Popoola, Olufemi
author_browse Amare, Mulubrhan
Andam, Kwaw S.
Bamiwuye, Temilolu
Chambers, Judith A.
Fasoranti, Adetunji
Popoola, Olufemi
Spielman, David J.
Zambrano, Patricia
author_facet Amare, Mulubrhan
Andam, Kwaw S.
Spielman, David J.
Bamiwuye, Temilolu
Zambrano, Patricia
Chambers, Judith A.
Fasoranti, Adetunji
Popoola, Olufemi
author_sort Amare, Mulubrhan
collection Repository of Agricultural Research Outputs (CGSpace)
description We assess the impacts of a genetically modified pod borer-resistant (PBR) cowpea variety in Nigeria through a cluster randomized controlled trial conducted in two major cowpea-cultivating states. Our design allows us to examine the impacts of PBR cowpea with and without a package of complementary inputs (fertilizer and insecticides) and in comparison to farmers who received only a conventional improved cowpea variety. Results indicate that farmers who received and planted PBR cowpea experienced significant increases in yield (21 percent) and net margins (49 percent) compared to those growing the conventional variety, with larger gains observed among those provided with the inputs package. Analysis of heterogeneous effects indicates substantial variation in outcomes based on baseline characteristics such as household size, landholding, pest control practices, and wealth. Estimation of group average treatment effects and classification analysis using a causal machine learning approach identify plot size, pesticide use, and assets as key drivers of impact heterogeneity. Findings highlight the need for targeted dissemination strategies to realize the sizable benefits of PBR cowpea for small-scale, resource-constrained farmers.
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publishDate 2025
publishDateRange 2025
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spelling CGSpace1785532025-12-05T02:00:24Z The impact of genetically modified cowpea on yields, postharvest losses, and profitability in Nigeria: Findings from a cluster randomized controlled trial Amare, Mulubrhan Andam, Kwaw S. Spielman, David J. Bamiwuye, Temilolu Zambrano, Patricia Chambers, Judith A. Fasoranti, Adetunji Popoola, Olufemi impact genetically modified organisms seed damaging insects pest resistance cowpeas randomized controlled trials machine learning smallholders information dissemination yields postharvest losses profitability We assess the impacts of a genetically modified pod borer-resistant (PBR) cowpea variety in Nigeria through a cluster randomized controlled trial conducted in two major cowpea-cultivating states. Our design allows us to examine the impacts of PBR cowpea with and without a package of complementary inputs (fertilizer and insecticides) and in comparison to farmers who received only a conventional improved cowpea variety. Results indicate that farmers who received and planted PBR cowpea experienced significant increases in yield (21 percent) and net margins (49 percent) compared to those growing the conventional variety, with larger gains observed among those provided with the inputs package. Analysis of heterogeneous effects indicates substantial variation in outcomes based on baseline characteristics such as household size, landholding, pest control practices, and wealth. Estimation of group average treatment effects and classification analysis using a causal machine learning approach identify plot size, pesticide use, and assets as key drivers of impact heterogeneity. Findings highlight the need for targeted dissemination strategies to realize the sizable benefits of PBR cowpea for small-scale, resource-constrained farmers. 2025-12-04 2025-12-04T19:40:56Z 2025-12-04T19:40:56Z Working Paper https://hdl.handle.net/10568/178553 en https://hdl.handle.net/10568/145074 Open Access application/pdf International Food Policy Research Institute Amare, Mulubrhan; Andam, Kwaw S.; Spielman, David J.; Bamiwuye, Temilolu; Zambrano, Patricia; et al. 2025. The impact of genetically modified cowpea on yields, postharvest losses, and profitability in Nigeria: Findings from a cluster randomized controlled trial. IFPRI Discussion Paper 2383. Washington, DC: International Food Policy Research Institute. https://hdl.handle.net/10568/178553
spellingShingle impact
genetically modified organisms
seed damaging insects
pest resistance
cowpeas
randomized controlled trials
machine learning
smallholders
information dissemination
yields
postharvest losses
profitability
Amare, Mulubrhan
Andam, Kwaw S.
Spielman, David J.
Bamiwuye, Temilolu
Zambrano, Patricia
Chambers, Judith A.
Fasoranti, Adetunji
Popoola, Olufemi
The impact of genetically modified cowpea on yields, postharvest losses, and profitability in Nigeria: Findings from a cluster randomized controlled trial
title The impact of genetically modified cowpea on yields, postharvest losses, and profitability in Nigeria: Findings from a cluster randomized controlled trial
title_full The impact of genetically modified cowpea on yields, postharvest losses, and profitability in Nigeria: Findings from a cluster randomized controlled trial
title_fullStr The impact of genetically modified cowpea on yields, postharvest losses, and profitability in Nigeria: Findings from a cluster randomized controlled trial
title_full_unstemmed The impact of genetically modified cowpea on yields, postharvest losses, and profitability in Nigeria: Findings from a cluster randomized controlled trial
title_short The impact of genetically modified cowpea on yields, postharvest losses, and profitability in Nigeria: Findings from a cluster randomized controlled trial
title_sort impact of genetically modified cowpea on yields postharvest losses and profitability in nigeria findings from a cluster randomized controlled trial
topic impact
genetically modified organisms
seed damaging insects
pest resistance
cowpeas
randomized controlled trials
machine learning
smallholders
information dissemination
yields
postharvest losses
profitability
url https://hdl.handle.net/10568/178553
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