In the heart of Sub-Saharan Africa, where the rains are unpredictable and the soil is often unyielding, farmers face a daily struggle to feed their communities. But a new wave of scientific research is offering hope, pointing to a group of unsung heroes in the plant kingdom: underutilised legumes. These crops, often overlooked in favor of more common varieties, could be the key to unlocking climate-smart agriculture in the region.
A recent review published in *Legume Science* and led by A. Chisa from the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, shines a spotlight on the potential of crops like Bambara groundnut, tepary bean, and pigeon pea. These legumes are not just hardy survivors; they are champions of resilience, armed with traits that make them perfectly suited to the challenges of climate change.
“These underutilised legumes present untapped opportunities for advancing climate-smart agriculture objectives,” Chisa explains. “They offer increased productivity, enhanced resilience, and reduced environmental impact—all crucial for the future of farming in Sub-Saharan Africa.”
The research highlights several standout traits that make these legumes so promising. Bambara groundnut, for instance, is a drought-tolerant powerhouse, thriving where other crops would wither. Tepary bean, meanwhile, boasts a remarkable ability to fix nitrogen, enriching the soil and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. Pigeon pea, with its short growth cycle and robust seed priming responses, offers farmers a reliable harvest even in the face of erratic weather patterns.
But the potential of these crops extends far beyond the field. The commercial impacts could be substantial, opening up new markets and opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses alike. “Scaling these crops could transform food systems in the region,” Chisa notes. “They offer a pathway to resilient, inclusive, and nutrition-sensitive agriculture, benefiting both farmers and consumers.”
However, the journey from potential to reality is not without its challenges. The review identifies key gaps, including limited field-based evaluations, underdeveloped seed and market systems, and weak institutional support. Addressing these hurdles will require a concerted effort from researchers, policymakers, and the private sector.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. It challenges the agricultural status quo, urging a shift towards more diverse and resilient cropping systems. It calls for investment in underutilised legumes, not just as a safety net for tough times, but as a strategic asset for the future. And it underscores the need for a whole-of-system approach, linking research, extension, and policy to scale these crops effectively.
As the world grapples with the realities of climate change, the lessons from Sub-Saharan Africa’s underutilised legumes offer a beacon of hope. They remind us that the solutions to tomorrow’s challenges often lie in the wisdom of the past, waiting to be rediscovered and nurtured. In the words of Chisa, “These crops are not just a fallback; they are a frontier of opportunity.”