Building Climate Resilience in African Grasslands: Strategies for a Sustainable Future – Communications Earth & Environment

Multispecies swards offer numerous benefits, but their adoption in Africa faces several challenges. One major issue is the lack of knowledge about selecting and evaluating these forage mixtures, especially those that use tropical species. While we know a lot about multispecies swards in temperate regions, information about their effectiveness in Africa is still limited.

Choosing the right mix of grasses, legumes, and herbs is key. When done carefully, it creates a network of plants that support each other above and below ground. This interconnected system can lead to a productive and sustainable agroecosystem across Africa. Factors like climate, soil type, and land management practices vary greatly in different regions, affecting how well these forage species perform.

As part of the Global Farm Platform, we believe that multispecies swards can promote sustainable livestock systems in Africa. This could enhance environmental sustainability and improve local livelihoods across various African environments.

To tackle current environmental concerns, it’s crucial to secure funding for research on multispecies swards in Africa and other tropical areas. Forming research networks, similar to those in Europe, can help identify priorities and share knowledge. Here are some key research areas to consider:

• Soil Health: Research how multispecies swards, which include nitrogen-fixing legumes, compare to monocultures in improving soil fertility. These swards can reduce the need for fertilizers, which is vital for smallholder farmers.

• Climate Resilience: Look into how tropical forage mixtures withstand extreme weather compared to monocultures. The resilience of these mixtures can help maintain productivity and carbon storage.

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Study the impact of multispecies swards on emissions in tropical grasslands. Understanding how these forage mixtures influence greenhouse gas levels is important for developing effective mitigation strategies.

• Livestock Performance: Investigate how multispecies swards affect livestock productivity. These swards can provide higher and more stable biomass yields, making them appealing to farmers.

• Livestock Health: Test how forages with natural health benefits can reduce the need for synthetic dewormers. This research could help control parasite problems, which are a growing global issue.

• Nutritional Quality: Assess whether animal products from multispecies swards offer better nutrition for humans. This is particularly important for low-income households that struggle with food quality.

• Adaptability: Explore how these swards perform in different climatic zones. Research can provide farmers with specific advice on which species to use based on their local conditions.

Multispecies swards could be a valuable solution for creating resilient grassland systems in Africa. They can help tackle climate challenges while providing quality food and supporting local communities. However, to succeed, we need to fill knowledge gaps about species selection, adaptability, and economic benefits across various regions. With the right investment and support, these grasslands could play a crucial role in sustainable land management and contribute to both local and global climate resilience.