The Program for Biosafety Systems and the Nigeria country office of the International Food Policy Research Institute were selected to lead an impact evaluation of the adoption and use of the new pod borer-resistant cowpea variety in Nigeria. Over the course of the five-year study, the research team will collect data from randomized groups in communities that receive seed for the study. Finally, researchers will combine the quantitative analysis of the survey data with qualitative data from various stakeholders for a rigorous impact evaluation.
In January 2023, 40 survey enumerators and supervisors participated in a four-day training event in preparation for conducting the baseline survey. The training ensured that all interviewers understood the survey objectives, implementation protocol, all questions, how to successfully enter a community for field work, and how to manage potential risks. The training included several interactive components and exercises to ensure enumerators were meticulously prepared for fieldwork.
The baseline survey data collection concluded on the 17th of February. Researchers will be analyzing the data to inform the next steps in the 5-year project
