Scientists studying bambara groundnuts, an underused African food crop, have identified October as the most promising planting month in Southern Africa. They used 50 years of climate and soil data to model crop growth over 49 growing seasons. Their work covered South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini.
The model showed that October planting produced the largest harvests. This month generally marks the beginning of the region’s rainy season. Farmers who plant later may expose their crops to frost, which can damage plants and reduce the amount harvested.
Much of Southern Africa relies on corn, wheat and rice grown with rainwater. However, water shortages and climate change are making production more difficult, creating challenges for food supplies. Many native crops can tolerate dry conditions and grow in less fertile soil. Bambara groundnuts also provide fiber, protein and minerals such as zinc, iron and calcium.
The researchers created maps showing where the crop could grow successfully. Their calculations included local growing conditions and left out unsuitable land uses. Researcher Richard Kunz said small-scale farmers need practical advice about where and when to plant neglected crops. He also stressed that relying on only a few crops cannot build resilience to climate change.
