Researchers advocate stronger climate adaptation in African grasslands

• Multispecies swards seen benefiting millions of smallholders,pastoralists 

Onome Amuge

Researchers from the Global Farm Platform, an organisation covering a range of grazing livestock systems, recently addressed the imminent threats posed by climate change to Africa’s grasslands, warning that the delicate balance of these ecosystems is in jeopardy and decisive action is required to preserve the livelihoods and well-being of the millions who depend on them.

According to the researchers, grasslands cover nearly half of Africa’s land area, providing crucial grazing for livestock—an economic cornerstone for over 70 percent of rural African populations. However, changing weather patterns and overgrazing are pushing these ecosystems to the brink, jeopardising both the environment and food security.

They noted that as human populations grow, large swathes of land are being converted for agricultural use, while the remaining grasslands are often overgrazed. This is seen to intensify soil degradation, and climate change only worsens the situation. 

Moreso, extreme weather events like floods and droughts, coupled with invasive species and bush encroachment, are eroding the productivity and health of these ecosystems. This results in reduced forage quality, higher livestock mortality rates, and rising vulnerability to disease, all of which undermine food security across the region.

To counter these growing threats, the researchers are advocating for the increased adoption of sustainable grassland management practices, with a key focus on multi species swards—an approach that could help restore productivity, reduce environmental harm, and mitigate climate change impacts. These mixtures of grass, legumes, and herbs are designed to enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and increase resilience to climate-related stresses.

The concept of sustainable intensification, which calls for producing more food with less environmental damage, is at the heart of this approach. This is as research in temperate regions shows that multispecies swards offer benefits such as improved forage yields, greater resource use efficiency, and better resistance to pests and diseases.

However, the researchers observed that despite the success in other parts of the world, research on multispecies swards in Africa remains limited. Most studies on the continent have focused on monocultures or binary mixtures, leaving a gap in understanding how these complex plant mixtures might thrive in African conditions.

“We are calling for greater investment in reseeding Africa’s grasslands with more diverse species, which could help reverse land degradation while improving both ecological and economic outcomes,” said Rothamsted’s Theo Akpensuen, the lead author of the commentary. 

“For instance, deep-rooted plants within these mixtures can access water deep underground during dry periods, while shallow-rooted species thrive after rainfall, enhancing productivity during all weather conditions,” he added.

According to the researchers, the ecological benefits of multispecies swards extend beyond drought tolerance. They can improve water retention, reduce soil erosion, and enhance biodiversity. Legumes particularly enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen, reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers and promoting healthier ecosystems. In addition, these mixed grasslands can boost animal health and productivity by providing higher-quality forage, which is essential for the region’s livestock.

The researchers emphasise that with the right policies and investments, multispecies swards could play a crucial role in building climate resilience, enhancing food security, and improving livelihoods for millions of smallholder farmers across the continent. 

However, successful implementation depends on closing research gaps in areas like species selection, fertilisation practices, and assessing the economic value of multispecies systems in particular regions.

“As Africa continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, it is clear that sustainable and resilient grassland systems will be key to securing a prosperous future for its people,” Akpensuen stated.