Regenerative Horticulture: A Climate Change Strategy for Sustainable Crop Nutrition in Africa

Awabo Manyaku and Hildegard Witbooi

Climate change is causing a need for innovative strategies to ensure sustainability and food security in crop production. This necessitates research in agriculture and horticulture to develop methods for increasing food production and improving access to nutritious food. With a comprehensive evaluation of farming practices, production, distribution and food consumption, "regenerative agriculture" and "regenerative farming" have gained interest as potential solutions. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of integrating biofertilizer in regenerative horticulture for sustainable nutrient supply in crop production, focusing on field studies by African farmers and researchers. It also assesses their effectiveness under various environmental conditions, including drought, salinity and temperature fluctuations. A thorough literature search identified relevant field-based studies involving African farmers using various biofertilizers. Criteria for inclusion were studies that examined the impact of biofertilizer on crop yield, soil health and nutrient efficiency. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed on the selected studies, followed by a meta-analysis. The findings suggest that integrating biofertilizer into regenerative horticulture is a viable strategy for sustainable nutrient management in crop production amid climate change. Field studies by African farmers show the practical benefits and growth of these practices, supporting their broader adoption for enhanced agricultural sustainability and food security.

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