The superior agronomic and human nutritional properties of grain legumes (pulses)
make them an ideal foundation for future sustainable agriculture. Legume‐based
farming is particularly important in Africa, where small‐scale agricultural systems
dominate the food production landscape. Legumes provide an inexpensive source
of protein and nutrients to African households as well as natural fertilization for
the soil. Although the consumption of traditionally grown legumes has started to
decline, the production of soybeans (Glycine max Merr.) is spreading fast, especially
across southern Africa. Predictions of future land‐use allocation and production
show that the soybean is poised to dominate future production across Africa. Land
use models project an expansion of harvest area, whereas crop models project
possible yield increases. Moreover, a seed change in farming strategy is underway.
This is being driven largely by the combined cash crop value of products such as oils
and the high nutritional benefits of soybean as an animal feed. Intensification of
soybean production has the potential to reduce the dependence of Africa on
soybean imports. However, a successful “soybean bonanza” across Africa necessitates an intensive research, development, extension, and policy agenda to
ensure that soybean genetic improvements and production technology meet future demands for sustainable production.
Link: https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.13466
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.13466
