Meta-analysis of legumes and groundnut production trends and variability in the Global South

Abstract

This study examined the production trends and variability of grain legumes in the Global South from 2000 to 2022, with a particular emphasis on groundnut yields and regional differences. From 2000 to 2022, global legume production in the Southern Hemisphere increased by approximately 20–30 %, driven by rising demand for plant-based proteins and expanded cropping areas in countries like Brazil and Argentina. Improved agricultural practices have further enhanced yields. In contrast, groundnut production experienced a more moderate growth of around 10–15 %, influenced by favourable conditions and expanded cultivation in regions such as Argentina and South Africa. While demand for groundnuts remains strong, market fluctuations and competition with other crops continue to shape its production dynamics. The analysis covered a range of legumes, including common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata), pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan), groundnuts/peanuts (Arachis hypogaea), soya beans (Glycine max), bambara groundnuts (Vigna subterranea), chickpeas (Cicer arietinum), lentils (Lens culinaris), mung beans (Vigna radiata), black gram (Vigna mungo), faba beans (Vicia faba), lablab beans (Lablab purpureus), tepary beans (Phaseolus acutifolius), African yam beans (Sphenostylis stenocarpa), Kersting's groundnut (Macrotyloma geocarpum), lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus), black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), adzuki beans (Vigna angularis), moth beans (Vigna aconitifolia), horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum), broad beans (Vicia faba), winged beans (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus). Regional data revealed significant differences in legume production. In Sub-Saharan Africa, cowpeas and groundnuts are vital, with cowpeas grown over 11.4 million hectares on average yielding 450 kg ha−1, and groundnuts covering 9.1 million hectares with an average yield of 1007 kg ha−1. Chickpeas and pigeon peas dominate South Asia's production, whereas Latin America features prominent soya bean and groundnut cultivation. Oceania's legume farming is less extensive, focusing on chickpeas and mung beans. Descriptive statistics revealed that Egypt led in groundnut production with an average yield of 3279.1 kg ha−1 and a low coefficient of variation (CV) of 4.89 %, indicating stable production. Conversely, Mozambique had the lowest average yield at 322.9 kg ha−1, with a high CV of 30.23 %, reflecting greater variability. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified five principal components explaining 70.9 % of the total variance, with the first two components (PC 1 and PC 2) accounting for 51 %. Bangladesh and Brazil were major contributors to PC 1, while Algeria and Senegal influenced PC 2. These findings highlight the considerable regional variability in yields and stability in legume production. Future research should address these disparities and enhance resilience through targeted agricultural practices and policy interventions.

Keywords

• Climate resilience
• Groundnut
• Legume yield trends
• Crop performance insights
• Production variability factors