Ability of Nutrient Management and Molecular Physiology Advancements to Overcome Abiotic Stress: A Study on Sub-Saharan African Crops

Koffi Pacome Kouame, Raj Kishan Agrahari, Noren Singh Konjengbam, Hiroyuki Koyama and Yuriko Kobayashi ()
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Koffi Pacome Kouame: Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
Raj Kishan Agrahari: Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
Noren Singh Konjengbam: College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Umiam 793103, India
Hiroyuki Koyama: Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
Yuriko Kobayashi: Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan

Agriculture, 2024, vol. 14, issue 2, 1-21

Abstract: Abiotic stress is a major cause of the declining crop yield worldwide, especially in tropical agricultural areas. Meeting the global food demand has become a serious challenge, especially in tropical areas, because of soil acidity, Al and Fe toxicity, drought and heat stress, and climate change. In this article, we reviewed several research and review papers from Google Scholar to list the different solutions available for the mitigation of abiotic stress, especially in tropical regions where several major crops, such as maize, sorghum, wheat, rice, soybean, and millet, are affected by abiotic stress and fertilizer input. In particular, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has been affected by the low use of fertilizers owing to their high cost. Therefore, soil and plant researchers and farmers have developed many techniques to mitigate the effects of stress and improve the crop yield based on the agroecological zone and crop type. Nutrient management using chemical fertilizers alone or in combination with organic crops is a strategy recommended to cope with abiotic stress and increase the crop yield, particularly in developing countries. Notably, integrated soil fertility management has been effective in semi-arid areas under drought and heat stress and in subhumid and humid areas with high soil acidity and Fe toxicity in Africa. Recent advances in the molecular physiology of various crops considered a staple food in SSA have facilitated the breeding of transgenic tolerant plants with high yield. However, the feasibility and implementation of this technique in the African continent and most tropical developing countries are major issues that can be solved via adequate subsidies and support to farmers. This review can aid in the development of novel strategies to decrease hunger and food insecurity in SSA.

Keywords: abiotic stress; acid soil; Al toxicity; crops; drought; fertilizer; heat; SSA (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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