ABSTRACT
Improving cultivation practices for soybeans in sub-Saharan Africa Frederick P. Baijukya and Harun M. Murithi, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Tanzania; and Fred Kanampiu, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Kenya
1 Introduction
2 Trends in soybean production and consumption in SSA
3 Best practices to enhance soybean yields: inoculation with rhizobia and use of improved varieties
4 Best practices to enhance soybean yields: improved crop management
5 Other considerations to improve soybean productivity in SSA
6 Conclusion
7 Where to look for further information
8 References
Soybean (Glycine max L Merr.) now constitutes an important component of the cropping systems in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Various governments together with their development partners are promoting soybean cultivation among small-scale farmers because of three fronts that the crop provides, which are improving health and nutrition for human and for livestock, increasing rural incomes, and sustainable intensification of farm production by improving the fertility of the soils (Crutzen et al., 2007; Giller, 2001). The rapidly growing feed industry for poultry and aquaculture (of which more than 20% of raw material is soybean) and the recognition of healthy eating among large population have increased the commercial value of the crop in SSA (FAO STAT, 2015).
