Scientists Predict Optimal Planting Time for Native Bambara Groundnuts in Southern Africa

Researchers have developed a model to advise farmers on the best time to plant bambara groundnuts, a neglected African crop, in Southern Africa. By analyzing 50 years of climate and soil data, they found that planting in October yields the highest results. This is crucial as many staple crops in the region are struggling with water-stress and climate change. Bambara groundnuts are more drought-tolerant and rich in essential nutrients, making them a valuable alternative. To encourage smallholder farmers to grow these crops, the researchers have provided a detailed guide on where and when to plant them, accounting for daily rainfall and temperature conditions across 5,838 altitude zones in South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini.