**A.3 Farmer B**

Tell me about the last time you planted Egusi seeds; when was that? *The last time I cultivated Egusi was during the last planting season this year. Around March and April.*

Where did you plant?

*I cultivated it in Nasarawa state.*

How did you prepare the land?

*The first thing I did was to cut the grass, after which we gathered the grass, we cut and then burn them. Then, I made ridges. But I first planted Maize before the Egusi.*

Weed Control:

*I do manual weeding.*

Does the land belong to you or did you also plant in some other person's land on any arrangement?

*The land does not belong to me.*

Do you plant on the same land all the time?

*No*

Do you plant any other crop before the Egusi planting season on the same piece of land?

*No, but is done after.*

Do you shift to other places?

*Yes, when the owner of the farm decides I should go elsewhere.*

Do you plant Egusi with other plants such as in between yams?

*Yes, I plant between the maize.*

What pest(s) are common in Egusi production and how are they controlled?

*The pest is common with the pest that affects beans, beniseed … the affect Egusi during the flowering stage but fortunately, I have not encountered them.*

How do you treat Egusi to guide you against damage from pests? How do you harvest Egusi?

*I gather the pods first. Then, they are sliced and left to rot. After a brief period, I extract the contents of the pod, stir it in a container with holes, then take it to the river for washing. Most farmers wash at the river, but some use boreholes to get water for washing.*

What do you do with the land after harvest?

*The pods of the Egusi are left on the land. So, I bury it when I am making ridges for the next cultivation. That is beans cultivation. It serves as a source of manure for the plant. With that, I do not need to buy fertilizer for my farm.*

Do you sell or consume the Egusi after harvest?

*I cultivate Egusi for family consumption.*

What do you think about the profitability of Egusi cultivation?

*I think it is profitable since it saves me more than I put into it.*
