Agronomic levers to increase maize and soybean productivity across the Chinyanja Triangle, Southern Africa
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ArticleLanguage: English Publication details: Netherlands : Elsevier, 2025.Subject(s): Online resources:
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Social Science Research Network (SSRN) Netherlands : Elsevier, 2025. In pressSummary: CONTEXTMaize is Southern Africa’s staple food crop, while soybean, a multi-purpose legume, is the fastest expanding crop in area and production in the region. Despite their importance, yields remain low, highlighting the need for context-specific strategies to sustainably increase productivity.OBJECTIVEThis study characterized maize and soybean production systems across the Chinyanja Triangle, estimated yield gaps, and identified agronomic levers for yield improvement.METHODSYields were measured using crop-cuts in farmers’ fields in Kasungu and Lilongwe (Malawi), Sinda and Katete (Zambia) and Angonia (Mozambique), alongside a diagnostic survey on crop management practices during the 2022-2023 season. A total of 485 maize and 509 soybean field observations were analyzed, supplemented with secondary climate and soil data, and water-limited yields simulated with the DSSAT crop model. A machine learning approach combining random forest and Shapley values was used to explain yield variability and identify yield constraints.RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSActual maize yields across districts ranged between 2.2 and 2.6 t ha-1 on average and actual soybean yields between 0.4 and 1.6 t ha-1. Simulated water-limited yields were greater than 8.0 t ha-1 for maize and than 3.5 t ha-1 for soybean. Maize cropping systems were similar across districts, whereas an intensification pathway was found for soybean cropping systems in Malawi, an extensification pathway in Zambia and marginal production pathway in Mozambique. Yield constraints for maize included low plant population and fertilizer management and variety type, while soybean yield constraints hinged around soil fertility, sowing date and variety type.SIGNIFICANCEThe agronomic levers identified can be used to target technology development and prioritization of interventions to increase productivity sustainable in the region. These insights support strategic planning for sustainable intensification and food security across Southern Africa.
| Item type | Current library | Collection | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Article | CIMMYT Knowledge Center: John Woolston Library | CIMMYT Staff Publications Collection | Available |
Pre-print
Open Access
CONTEXTMaize is Southern Africa’s staple food crop, while soybean, a multi-purpose legume, is the fastest expanding crop in area and production in the region. Despite their importance, yields remain low, highlighting the need for context-specific strategies to sustainably increase productivity.OBJECTIVEThis study characterized maize and soybean production systems across the Chinyanja Triangle, estimated yield gaps, and identified agronomic levers for yield improvement.METHODSYields were measured using crop-cuts in farmers’ fields in Kasungu and Lilongwe (Malawi), Sinda and Katete (Zambia) and Angonia (Mozambique), alongside a diagnostic survey on crop management practices during the 2022-2023 season. A total of 485 maize and 509 soybean field observations were analyzed, supplemented with secondary climate and soil data, and water-limited yields simulated with the DSSAT crop model. A machine learning approach combining random forest and Shapley values was used to explain yield variability and identify yield constraints.RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSActual maize yields across districts ranged between 2.2 and 2.6 t ha-1 on average and actual soybean yields between 0.4 and 1.6 t ha-1. Simulated water-limited yields were greater than 8.0 t ha-1 for maize and than 3.5 t ha-1 for soybean. Maize cropping systems were similar across districts, whereas an intensification pathway was found for soybean cropping systems in Malawi, an extensification pathway in Zambia and marginal production pathway in Mozambique. Yield constraints for maize included low plant population and fertilizer management and variety type, while soybean yield constraints hinged around soil fertility, sowing date and variety type.SIGNIFICANCEThe agronomic levers identified can be used to target technology development and prioritization of interventions to increase productivity sustainable in the region. These insights support strategic planning for sustainable intensification and food security across Southern Africa.
Text in English
Excellence in Agronomy Mixed Farming Systems CGIAR Trust Fund Climate adaptation & mitigation Environmental health & biodiversity Nutrition, health & food security Poverty reduction, livelihoods & jobs Systems Transformation Resilient Agrifood Systems
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