Southern Africa: Bambara Groundnut - New Maps Show Where Southern African Farmers Can Grow This Drought-Tolerant Crop

What the report says

Researchers writing in The Conversation Africa say new crop-suitability maps could help farmers in South Africa and Eswatini identify where bambara groundnut is most likely to grow successfully under rainfed conditions. The analysis focuses on the drought-tolerant, protein-rich legume, which is indigenous to Africa and has long been grown mainly by smallholder farmers rather than commercial producers.

The study used computer-based crop modelling, including the FAO’s AquaCrop system, to simulate bambara groundnut performance across thousands of regions over multiple growing seasons. According to the authors, the work goes beyond older maps that rely on long-term climate averages by factoring in day-to-day weather changes, frost risk and the timing of planting. They found that October was generally the best planting month, while later planting increased the chance of crop failure as frost became more likely toward the end of the season.

The report says the maps also account for land already committed to mining, urban development, forestry, sugarcane and fruit production, which further limits where the crop could be expanded. The authors argue that this kind of planning tool could help extension officers, farmers and agricultural planners make more practical decisions about indigenous crops that are better adapted to drought and heat.

The broader significance is food-system resilience. The article notes that southern Africa may face greater climate stress and that wider use of indigenous crops could diversify diets, support small farmers and create market opportunities if government and private-sector support improve seed access, markets and value chains.