Pulse crops for sustainable farms in Sub-Saharan Africa
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Food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa is a problem affecting 153 million
individuals (ca. 25%). This problem could be worsen by the ongoing
soil degradation, being cause by the reduction of soil organic matter and
insufficient nutrient supply. Over 75% of the agricultural land in Africa
could be classified as degraded by 2020. This situation can compromise food
production in sub-Saharan Africa, both quantitatively and qualitatively, and
the sustainability of existing agricultural production systems.
The use of fertilizer could revert this situation; however, Africa has almost
no capacity to produce fertilizers (African fertilizers production facilities work
mainly in blending fertilizers) and therefore fertilizers are produced elsewhere
outside Africa and transported from long distances at great expenses. This situation
grants to sub-Saharan Africa farmers only a very limited access to fertilizers, thus
increasing the risk of soil degradation.
Pulses have a long history in sub-Saharan Africa due to their multiple benefits.
Pulses, and legumes in general, can play an important role in agriculture because
their ability to biologically fix atmospheric nitrogen and to enhance the biological
turnover of phosphorous; thus they could become the cornerstone of sustainable
agriculture in Africa. In this sense, there is a body of literature that points to
diversification of existing production systems; particularly legumes species, which
provides critical environmental services, including soil erosion control and soil
nutrient recapitalization. This publication is a review of some of the promising
strategies to support pulses cultivation and utilization on smallholder farms in
sub-Saharan Africa. The review is part of the legacy of the International Year of
Pulses (IYP), which sought to recognize the contribution that pulses make to
human well-being and the environment.
One challenge faced worldwide is that the diversity of pulses are not captured
well in statistics. There is not a clear picture of what is grown and where, and
this leads to an under-estimation of their importance for sub-Saharan Africa
and consequently reduce research investment in pulses. Existing agricultural
production systems are dominated by cereals, and represent opportunities for
enhanced crop diversification, through promoting local and novel pulse varieties.
Mixed-maize is a system that is rapidly growing and poses one such opportunity,
particularly for beans. This is due in part to the large number of bean varieties
that have been developed to meet local and regional market requirements, through
decades long partnerships foster by Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA).
Bean research has included pioneering participatory plant breeding, extension
linked to participatory community organizations and value chains, as well as
attention to informal seed systems. This example shows how pulse research can
make a different on smallholder farms in sub-Saharan Africa, by broadening the
range of genetic options and supporting innovation. There are many such farmerx
approved varieties available that deserve greater promotion, as do technologies
such as doubled up legume system innovation recently released by the Malawi
government. At the same time, this review has highlighted that variety release has
lagged for some pulse crops, and that there is urgent need for more research on
adoption, barriers to adoption, and on impact of adoption.
Research priorities suggested include greater recognition and attention to
expanding properties associated with multipurpose types of pulses, which are
popular in sub-Saharan Africa. Different types of pulses are needed for different
functions and in general, multipurpose pulses are the best to respond to the diverse
needs of farmers, including food, fuel and fodder, and ecosystem services such as
pollination. There is a trade-off between the harvest index and other functions,
which have too often been overlooked by researchers and decision makers who
tend to focus almost exclusively on increasing grain yields. Pest tolerance, as
well as extension of educational approaches and agronomic advice to strengthen
integrated pest management (IPM) is another area urgently needing attention.
Finally, the role of specific legumes and associated biochemical properties
in promoting ecosystem health, community health – this is a crucial area for
research that will provide urgently needed options for women farmers – and for
sustainability of communities.