Climate Change Threatens Legume Production and Food Security in Southern Africa
Farmers Magazine | 09.11.2026 12:55
Grain legumes, commonly known as pulses, play an important role in food security, nutrition and rural livelihoods across southern Africa. Crops such as dry beans, cowpeas, pigeon peas and groundnuts provide valuable sources of protein and calories for millions of households. They also generate income for smallholder farmers who depend on crop sales to support their families and maintain their farms. However, changing weather patterns and increasingly severe climate shocks are putting legume production at risk. Droughts, floods, extreme heat and unpredictable rainfall can cause substantial harvest losses, threatening household food supplies and the availability of affordable nutritious food.
