Revolutionizing African Agriculture: Unveiling 650 New Bean Varieties to Combat Hunger
PABRA's groundbreaking work in developing 650 new bean varieties promises to revolutionize agriculture in Africa, offering improved yields and resilience to climate change A game-changer for food security across the continent!
Beans, a crop rich in fiber and minerals, are not only a crucial protein source for millions of Africans but also a vital income generator for farmers. However, the looming threat of climate change puts this staple at risk. A 2016 study highlights that up to 60% of bean-growing regions in sub-Saharan Africa may become unsuitable by the end of this century.
Recognizing the urgency to safeguard and optimize the potential of this essential crop, the Pan-African Bean Research Alliance (PABRA) has successfully spearheaded the research, advancement, and dissemination of more than 650 novel bean varieties throughout Africa.
PABRA received the $100,000 African Food Prize in September for its efforts in enhancing food security and increasing farmers' incomes. According to PABRA, 32 countries in Africa have experienced the introduction of improved and diverse beans in their markets, ranging from sugar beans in Zambia to snap beans in Nigeria. These newly developed beans not only offer higher nutritional value but also demonstrate greater resilience, efficiency, and profitability for farmers.
PABRA connects consumers to farmers and researchers, to ensure that demands for certain beans are addressed. Here, scientists discuss products with a trader in Uganda.
Jean Claude Rubyogo
Better beans
Jean Claude Rubyogo, the director of PABRA, a foundation established in 1996, highlights that in Ethiopia, beans with shorter harvest times have experienced a productivity increase of over 100%. This enables farmers to obtain food earlier than other crops, and they can also generate income by selling these beans when no other crops are available.
A Kenyan farmer at work in a field growing PABRA beans.
Stephanie Malyon
PABRAs beans not only require less water but also exhibit greater resistance to unpredictable weather patterns. This resilience allows the 37 million farmers cultivating these beans throughout the continent to generate higher income. The research conducted primarily in Cali, Colombia focuses on identifying specific bean varieties that align with consumer preferences. The findings are subsequently shared with African national programs for further development and implementation.
According to PABRA, its beans are regularly consumed by 300 million people throughout the continent. These beans contain 22-23% protein, making them an excellent protein source for individuals who cannot afford alternative options. Additionally, they offer fiber, carbohydrates, and minimal amounts of fat compounds. In addition to these nutritional benefits, the beans are rich in iron and zinc, which are essential nutrients that over two billion people worldwide lack, as identified by the World Health Organization.
Moreover, PABRA reports that over five million households in ten countries have experienced a 30% increase in income by cultivating these beans. Furthermore, farmers who grow, consume, and sell these beans have a 6% higher probability of achieving food security and are 6% less likely to live in poverty.
The increased levels of iron and zinc in some beans could help tackle deficiencies.
Stephanie Malyon
Diversifying crops
Chike Mba, deputy director of plant production and protection at the UN Food and Agricultural Organization, emphasizes the importance of offering a variety of resilient beans for the agricultural development and future of Africa. The region currently suffers from a high rate of malnourishment and food insecurity, affecting one-fifth of its sub-Saharan population. Mba believes that in order to combat these issues, farmers should cultivate a broader assortment of crops, including beans. According to him, a farm's resilience increases with the diversity of crops grown, as it enhances the system's ability to withstand unexpected challenges.
The Coronavirus pandemic and the war in Ukraine had an impact on Africa, resulting in decreased rice imports from Asia and a decline in grain imports from Eastern Europe in 2020.
Continuing the pandemic would have led to widespread hunger and starvation on a massive scale, according to the speaker. Therefore, African countries must prioritize diversification and strengthen their ability to produce food.
The speaker emphasizes the importance of supportive government policies that encourage research and partnerships within the region and globally. Additionally, they highlight the need for policies that facilitate farmers' access to technologies and financial resources.
The work requires cooperation between farmers, developers and governments.
Stephanie Malyon
According to PABRA, governments play a significant role in their operations. Rubyogo clarifies that although his organization helps developers and consumers connect, the actual management of national programs is carried out by research institutions established by governments.
States are motivated to introduce enhanced beans to their markets, according to Rubyogo. The objective is to enhance nutrition, empower women economically, and foster economic development.
In anticipation, PABRA is currently studying ways to reduce the cooking time of beans by up to 30%. According to Rubyogo, boiling beans typically takes between two to three hours, consuming valuable time and energy. If the research proves successful, it could potentially save consumers $1.5 billion annually.
However, Rubyogo emphasizes the importance of adapting to ever-growing weather extremes. He emphasizes the significance of investing in extensive research to address climate change, stating that true transformation occurs when these products reach the most vulnerable individuals.
