English: Cowpeas are a staple food and an important source of protein for over200 million people in sub-Saharan Africa. They are regarded as drought-tolerant and can cope with poor soils, making them highly adapted to the region. CSIRO Plant Industry are developing varieties of this legume that are resistant to the legume pod borer, an insect pest, the larvae of which damage the flowers, young pods and seeds, drastically reducing yield.