Résumé
Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) could possibly become a major crop in Africa due to its many uses as a food, feed, and in industry. Also, its ability to undertake symbiotic nitrogen fixation is a great advantage over cereal crops. This study simulated yield potential across west and east Africa. A number of areas were excluded from soybean production because of inadequate early season rains to allow timely sowing of the crop. Among the remaining areas, average yields greater than 200gm−2 were commonly simulated. Two drought traits were examined as plant modifications to increase yields. These results identified those areas and plant traits in Africa where soybean has the potential to be an important, viable crop.
•Soil water for sowing was a major geographical limitation for soybean.•Maturity groups VII for East Africa and VIII for West Africa were appropriate.•In many areas, the yield was greater than 200gm−2.•Nitrogen fixation drought tolerance had greatest yield improvement in wet areas.•Limited transpiration trait had greatest yield improvement in dry areas.