Grain legumes, particularly beans, are a vital source of calories and income for rural households in southern Africa. As the region prepares for a potential "super" El Niño event, agricultural researcher Moses Chitete warns that extreme climate shocks could severely impact bean harvests. A review of 62 studies on legumes in the Southern African Development Community found that climate shocks have previously cut legume harvests by up to 78%. This has significant implications for food security and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
Climate shocks, including droughts, floods, and extreme heat, can have devastating effects on legume crops. According to Chitete, these shocks can lead to reduced agricultural production, decreased food availability, and increased food prices. Repeated climate shocks can also deepen poverty and make it challenging for farming families to recover. The super El Niño event, expected to last from September 2026 into early 2027, may bring severe drought and high temperatures, further exacerbating the situation.
Legumes are considered "climate smart" due to their relatively high tolerance to dry conditions. However, this does not guarantee their survival during an El Niño event. Chitete emphasizes that farmers need access to newer technologies, such as drought-tolerant seed, irrigation, and water-harvesting technologies, to survive climate disasters. Extension services, reliable weather information, and affordable credit and crop insurance are also essential for farmers to adapt to climate change.
To mitigate the impacts of the super El Niño, farmers can prepare by planting early-maturing and drought-tolerant legume varieties. Conserving soil moisture, diversifying crops, and harvesting and storing water are also crucial strategies. Governments and agricultural institutions must strengthen early-warning systems and communicate forecasts effectively to farmers. This includes providing timely access to drought-tolerant crop varieties, planting advice, and information on when and where to plant.
Despite being considered climate smart, legumes still require support to survive extreme climate shocks. Chitete notes that existing research focuses primarily on the impact of single disasters on legumes, rather than multiple disasters. There are also geographical gaps in research, with evidence from one location not applicable to another. Further research is needed to understand how different legume species and varieties perform under combined climate shocks.
To protect legume farmers, governments should prioritize climate-resilient production systems. This includes supporting the development and distribution of drought-tolerant legume varieties, improving water management, and strengthening agricultural extension services. Climate information and early action must also be prioritized, with farmers receiving timely and reliable weather forecasts and practical advice on planting dates and farm management.
Reducing financial risk faced by farmers is also critical. Governments should improve access to affordable credit, crop insurance, input support, and reliable markets. Climate finance should fund farmers to adopt climate-resilient practices, such as drought-resilient seed and weather information services. By taking proactive measures, governments can help protect the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and ensure food security in southern Africa.
Key points
- Extreme climate shocks have previously cut legume harvests by up to 78% in southern Africa.
- Farmers can prepare for the super El Niño by planting early-maturing and drought-tolerant legume varieties.
- Governments should prioritize climate-resilient production systems, climate information, and early action to protect legume farmers.
