The potential of diversification of farming systems with legumes to improve agricultural productivity under climate stress in Africa.

The overarching objective of this PhD research is to focus on research gaps identified relating to the impact of climate change on legumes, and whether or not they may serve as the right crops to enable food security under future climates. The research will seek answers to the following questions: 1.What are the projected impacts of climate change on legumes in Africa? What is the comparative impact of climate change on legumes versus staple cereals like maize, wheat and rice? What adaptation strategies are most effective in mitigating the negative impacts of climate change on legume yields? 2.How does climate variability affect the land equivalent ratio (LER) of legume diversification? What is the relationship between climate hazards and the productivity of intercropped legume systems? How do climate-smart agriculture practices influence the resilience of legume diversification systems? 3.How does drought severity in rainout shelters impact yields in intercropped versus monocropped systems? How do cropping densities influence yield outcomes in legume-cereal intercropping systems under drought stress? Do legume varieties differ in yield resilience when intercropped under drought? 4.Can crop models effectively simulate yield variability in intercropping systems? How do varying carbon dioxide levels affect intercropped legume yields?