Pumpkin Farmers and Marketers’ Perception and Experience on Pumpkin (Cucurbita sp) Cultivation in Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

Pumpkin (Cucurbita sp) is widely cultivated fruit plant in all Tropical African countries among various ethnic groups in Nigeria. It constitute an important part of diet in the country. Despite its significance, the Cucurbita species receives relatively little attention from plant researchers and research institutes in Nigeria. This study was aimed at exploring Kano pumpkin farmers/marketer’s indigenous knowledge and perspectives on growth, yield and nutritional profile of Cucurbita species (pumpkin). Following the methodology outlined by Krueger (2002) and Eliot (2005), focus group discussions were conducted using a set of structured questions. The resulting data on vegetative, reproductive growth and importance of the plant were then evaluated using frequency analysis. The results showed the richness of traditional knowledge among pumpkin farmers and marketers.Thus, providing a comprehensive understanding of the demographic information of the respondents, cultivation practices, growth phases, morphological variations, seasonal specificity, growth habit, yield parameters and importance of Cucurbita sp. The study provides valuable understanding of traditional knowledge and practise in the cultivation of pumpkin.