Durham University recently hosted Mrs Purity Mazibuko, a leading Cowpea Breeder from the Crop Breeding Institute (CBI) of the Department of Research and Specialist Services (DR&SS) in Harare, Zimbabwe, to advance a crucial collaborative research project.
Mrs Mazibuko’s institution plays a vital role in national food security, releasing commercial cowpea varieties and supporting the value chain for this important indigenous legume across Zimbabwe.
The joint project between CBI and Durham University's DCCIT is designed to tackle a critical climate challenge: while cowpea is highly resilient to drought, many other essential crops grown by local smallholder farmers are extremely sensitive.
Researchers are using the naturally hardy cowpea as a model system to decode the molecular mechanisms behind its drought survival. The goal is to translate this knowledge into cutting-edge agritech innovations—including exploring the role of the soil microbiome—that can be used to protect other vulnerable crops in Southern Africa.
Mrs Mazibuko was hosted by Associate Professor Steve Chivasa in the Biosciences department, with funding for the work secured through a university pump-priming grant.
Learn more about the work of Dr Steve Chivasa
Image: Cowpea plants in a greenhouse at Durham University and Mrs Purity Mazibuko.
