Journal article
Modelling predicts that soybean is poised to dominate crop production across Africa
Plant, Cell & Environment, Vol.42(1), pp.373-385
2018
Abstract
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.
Details
- Title
- Modelling predicts that soybean is poised to dominate crop production across Africa
- Authors/Creators
- C.H. Foyer (Author/Creator) - University of LeedsK.H.M. Siddique (Author/Creator) - The University of Western AustraliaA.P.K. Tai (Author/Creator) - Chinese University of Hong KongS. Anders (Author/Creator) - University of AlbertaN. Fodor (Author/Creator) - Hungarian Academy of SciencesF-L Wong (Author/Creator) - Chinese University of Hong KongN. Ludidi (Author/Creator) - University of the Western CapeM.A. Chapman (Author/Creator) - University of SouthamptonB.J. Ferguson (Author/Creator) - The University of QueenslandM.J. Considine (Author/Creator)F. Zabel (Author/Creator) - Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität MünchenP.V.V. Prasad (Author/Creator) - Kansas State UniversityR.K. Varshney (Author/Creator) - International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid TropicsH.T. Nguyen (Author/Creator) - University of MissouriH-M Lam (Author/Creator) - Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Publication Details
- Plant, Cell & Environment, Vol.42(1), pp.373-385
- Publisher
- Blackwell Publishing Inc.
- Identifiers
- 991005540069507891
- Copyright
- © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Murdoch University
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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Source: InCites
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Citation topics
- 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology
- 3.97 Plant Pathology
- 3.97.892 Rhizobium-Legume Symbiosis
- Web Of Science research areas
- Plant Sciences
- ESI research areas
- Plant & Animal Science