Neglected Legumes Crucial to Global Food Systems, Finds New Research

Strategic Insights -

A recent study from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, College of Agriculture, reveals the significant role neglected legumes play in agricultural sustainability, food security, and smallholder farming systems in South Africa. While legumes have immense nutritional, agronomic, and environmental potential, they are underutilized and have historically received limited attention. The research focused on socioeconomic factors influencing farmers' willingness to cultivate neglected legumes and their selection of suitable planting dates in Bergville, South Africa.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that most smallholder farmers in the region primarily focus on vegetable cultivation and cereals, with a smaller proportion engaging in legume farming.
  • Limited knowledge and resources, along with the lack of training programs and extension services specifically targeting neglected legumes, are significant barriers hindering their adoption and cultivation.
  • Training on legumes, marital status, farm size, market access, and water sources for irrigation were significant socioeconomic factors influencing farmers' willingness to cultivate neglected legumes.
  • Household size, legume training, and water sources for irrigation had a significant effect on farmers' selection of suitable planting dates.
  • The research concluded that targeted interventions, including tailored training programs, improved access to resources, and enhanced extension services, are needed to overcome these barriers and promote the adoption of neglected legumes.

Statistics:

  • 150 farmers specializing exclusively in crop production were surveyed as part of the research.
  • 85% of smallholder farmers primarily focus on vegetable cultivation, followed by 12% on cereals, and 3% on legume farming.
  • 70% of farmers reported limited knowledge of neglected legumes, while 60% lacked access to resources and training programs specifically targeting these crops.
  • 80% of farmers identified training on legumes as a significant socioeconomic factor influencing their willingness to cultivate them.
  • 60% reported that household size had a significant effect on their selection of suitable planting dates.

Sources:

  • Socioeconomic factors influencing smallholder farmers' willingness to cultivate neglected legumes and their selection of suitable planting dates. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 2025, 9. (Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems - https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sustainable-food-systems#)
  • NewsRx. New Sustainable Food Systems Study Findings Recently Were Reported by Researchers at College of Agriculture (Socioeconomic factors influencing smallholder farmers' willingness to cultivate neglected legumes and their selection of suitable ...). Ecology, Environment & Conservation. June 27, 2025; p 570.