IITA launches Africa’s first soybean speed breeding facility to strengthen feed and protein supply

ZAMBIA – International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has launched Africa’s first soybean speed breeding facility in Zambia, a move expected to accelerate the development of high-yielding varieties and expand the availability of protein-rich raw materials for the animal feed industry across sub-Saharan Africa.

The facility introduces speed breeding technology, enabling multiple soybean generations to be produced within a year by controlling light, temperature, and humidity. 

This reduces breeding cycles from 6 to 8 years to about 4 to 5 years, significantly shortening the time it takes for improved seeds to reach farmers.

“This facility strengthens our ability to respond to the growing global demand for soybeans, particularly in light of shifting international market dynamics,” said Chizumbna Shepande during the launch.

Soybean is a strategic crop for feed and nutrition systems. 

It is the primary source of protein in poultry and livestock feed, and it also supports the production of food products such as oil and soymilk. 

Rising demand from the feed sector, particularly poultry, has made soybean one of the fastest-growing value chains in Africa.

In southern Africa, soybean production has expanded steadily, with Zambia positioning itself as a regional supplier. 

The country produced an estimated 600,000–700,000 tonnes in recent seasons, with a national target of reaching one million tonnes by 2030. 

Most of this output is processed into soybean meal and oil, with soybean meal forming a critical input in feed rations.

However, productivity constraints remain significant. 

Yields in smallholder systems average 1–2 tonnes per hectare, whereas potential yields exceed 3 tonnes per hectare. 

Disease pressure, particularly soybean rust, and limited access to improved seed varieties continue to restrict output and, by extension, feed raw material availability.

Soybean market

The new facility is expected to directly impact feed markets by improving both the volume and consistency of soybean supply. 

Faster breeding cycles will increase the pipeline of improved varieties, including early- to medium-maturing, high-yielding, and disease-resistant seeds suited to local conditions.

For feed manufacturers, this could ease one of the region’s biggest constraints: access to affordable, high-quality protein sources. 

Soybean meal typically accounts for 20–30% of poultry feed formulations, making its availability and price a key determinant of feed costs.

David Chikoye said the focus is on traits critical to feed and production systems.

“Our focus is on developing early- to medium-maturing soybean varieties that are high-yielding, climate-resilient, and resistant to diseases such as soybean rust – traits that are critical for smallholder farmers,” he said.

Smallholder inclusion

“This investment is targeted toward smallholder farmers, who are often underserved by the private sector.

“Through on-farm varietal testing, we can better understand farmers’ preferences and ensure improved varieties meet their needs,” said Jeff Ehlers.

As soybean supply expands, the feed industry could benefit from more stable pricing and reduced reliance on imports, particularly in markets where protein inputs remain a major cost driver.

The facility also strengthens regional breeding systems and collaboration, supporting universities and national research programs.

Over time, this is expected to improve seed systems and increase adoption rates, further reinforcing soybeans’ role as a cornerstone of feed and animal nutrition across Africa.

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