The agricultural environment of eastern and southern Africa and its use

Abstract

The agricultural potential of Eastern and Southern Africa is generally thought to be high or very high, but very few areas in Africa are self sufficient in food, and imports of basic foodstuffs are often required. It seems necessary that the continent attempts to become self-sufficient in food. This paper shows that potentials are high. Rates of gross photosynthesis are high, soils are generally reasonably fertile or can easily be improved by use of fertilizers. Crop production can take place without irrigation or with irrigation, the latter can bring vast improvements. Production systems will have to be changed in such a manner that the potentials are being better exploited. Generally, the cropping systems should be in harmony with the environment, and the entire growing season should be wisely used in order to get maximum yields. The environment can be better exploited by relative simple measures such as better crop selection, optimum plant populations, planting at the right time, and weeding. The environment can be made more favourable for crop production by raising the soil fertility through prudent use of chemical fertilizers and the moisture balance by introducing irrigation. Environmental degradation is very serious in the area due to extensive use of erroneous agricultural practices, unwise opening-up of land, overgrazing, resulting in severe deforestation and erosion. The paper mainly deals with the environment from a food crop production point of view. Although animal husbandry is important in the area, it is not discussed.