The management of staple crops as perennials is a historic legacy and a
present-day strategy in Sub-Saharan Africa, yet
perenniality is rarely an agronomic subject. Farmers in Malawi cut
annual crops, such as pigeonpea and sorghum, to extend production for
more than one growing season. Cassava, a perennial food crop, has a
proven track record of abating hunger. Here we review ratooning, a
method of harvesting a crop which leaves the roots and the lower parts
of the plant uncut to give the ratoon or the stubble crop. This review
is completed with interviews with Malawian farmers. The management of staple crops as perennials is underserved by
research. The literature and interviews indicate that pigeonpea and
sorghum have high productive potential when well managed in ratoon
systems.
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