Bean farming is an important part of the Kenyan economy. The crop is staple food for many Kenyans. Beans are a good source of protein and fiber, they are also a relatively inexpensive food. Beans are grown in almost all regions of Kenya, but the major bean-growing areas are the Central, Rift Valley, Western, and Nyanza provinces. Bean is a relatively low-input crop, and it can be grown on a variety of soils. However, beans do best on well-drained soils with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. Beans are also susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, so it is important to use good agricultural practices to protect the crop.
Through collaborative efforts between scientists, farmers, and policymakers, a resilient bean variety has been developed to thrive in the country’s drought conditions. This partnership signifies more than just a revolution, it has the potential to profoundly impact agriculture in Kenya.
Nyota Bean crop
Dubbed “Nyota” a Swahili word meaning star. These beans signify more than just agricultural resilience. Derived from years of meticulous cross-breeding and back-crossing, Nyota beans are not your ordinary legumes they are resilient, adaptable, and packed with essential nutrients.
David Karanja, bean breeder, KALRO
David Karanja, a dedicated bean breeder at the forefront of this movement. With a passion for innovation and a keen understanding of the challenges facing farmers, Karanja has spearheaded the development of Nyota beans. In Taita Taveta County, Nyota bean seeds, specifically bred to withstand climate change, are being offered to farmers. The journey to creating Nyota beans was not easy. Kenya’s agricultural landscape is as diverse as it is unforgiving, ranging from arid lowlands to cold, dry highlands. But Karanja and his team were undeterred. Drawing on a wealth of scientific knowledge and traditional farming wisdom, they carefully selected bean varieties known for their drought and heat tolerance. Through a process of rigorous breeding, they produced a bean that could thrive in even the harshest of conditions.
Josephine Syanda , a research scientist working closely with Karanja, emphasizes the importance of considering market needs in the breeding process. By developing beans that cook faster, they not only reduce cooking time but also alleviate the financial burden on farmers, who often struggle to afford fuel for cooking. It’s a small but significant step towards improving the livelihoods of those who depend on agriculture for their sustenance.
Josephine Syanda, a research scientist at KALRO
For farmers like Benson Gitonga, the impact of Nyota beans has been nothing short of transformative. With increased yields and reduced input costs, Gitonga now reaps the rewards of his labor like never before.
Benson Gitonga, a Bean farmer
Where once he struggled to make a living from the land, he now sees a future filled with promise and prosperity. “I can now harvest 9-12 bags from an acre of land, unlike other varieties where I would only get 5-7 bags. The difference upon comparison is substantial”, Gitonga poses with confidence.
The path to widespread adoption of Nyota beans is not without its obstacles. The Kenyan government’s regulations on seed exchange pose a significant challenge, hindering the flow of new, resilient varieties to farmers in need. But with determination and perseverance, Karanja and his team continue to push for change, rallying support from policymakers and stakeholders alike. As Nyota beans begin to take root across Kenya, they offer more than just a solution to the challenges of climate change, they represent hope for a brighter and more sustainable future. Through collaboration and innovation, the seeds of change have been sown, paving the way for a resilient and prosperous agricultural sector in Kenya and beyond.
