14th – 15th September 2023
LEG4DEV researcher Adam Muhammad from the University of Hohenheim, Germany, attended the Bio-Geosphere Africa (BioGARD) Conference 2023 in Stuttgart-Hohenheim (Germany) between 14-15 September 2023. Adam presented his LEG4DEV research findings entitled “Meta-analysis: Integration of common bean in maize cropping system enhances resilience to rainfall variability in Africa” at the Conference.
The LEG4DEV research presentation by Adam focused on the potential of maize-legume intercropping systems to mitigate climate change impacts on African agriculture. The aim of Muhammad’s LEG4DEV study was to synthesize existing evidence to understand the efficacy of maize-legume intercropping as a climate change adaptation strategy in African landscapes. With a focus on assessing the influence of rainfall regimes and understanding the response of diversified cropping systems to rainfall variability, Adam’s research aims to provides actionable insights for enhancing agricultural resilience.
One standout finding from the study is the resilience that can be exhibited by integration of grain legumes into cassava cropping systems. This intercropping strategy demonstrated a substantial increase in productivity, elevating system yields across varied climatic conditions. Whether in drought-prone or excessively wet environments, the cassava-legume synergy emerged from the comparative study as a resilience strengthening option, potentially offering African farmers a legume-based pathway towards enhanced food security in the face of climate uncertainties.
Furthermore, the study identified maize-common bean intercropping as another resilient system under variable rainfall patterns. With performance enhancements compared to monoculture systems, this intercropping option also holds promise for bolstering agricultural sustainability while enhancing overall yields.
By promoting climate-resilient intercropping systems such as cassava-legume and maize-common bean, there is potential for African farmers to better adapt to climate change. Investments in research, extension services, infrastructure and support systems to support the scaling of legume-based cropping systems will be important for safeguarding food security and livelihoods in climate-vulnerable rural communities.
In conclusion, the LEG4DEV research presented at the BioGARD Conference by Adam underscores the pivotal role of legume-based intercropping for strengthening climate resilience in African agriculture.