Nairobi: Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) is partnering with the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) to train over 15,000 farmers on proper agronomic practices for the 'Nyota' bean variety. The initiative aims to boost productivity, promote climate-smart farming, and help farmers cope with the impacts of climate change.

According to Kenya News Agency, the programme, supported by the Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA), targets farmers from Njoro, Subukia, Rongai, Bahati, and Gilgil Sub-Counties. The focus is on training farmers on high-yield, disease-resistant Nyota beans, post-harvest management, market linkages, and export standards. Alliance for Biodiversity-CIAT Senior Research Associate Mr. Justin Mabeya Machini highlighted the initiative's importance in addressing the increased prevalence of pests and diseases due to climate change.

Mr. Machini emphasized that the programme ensures farmers improve production and access favorable markets. He stated that farmers are encouraged to aggregate produce through cooperatives to strengthen bargaining power and secure bulk sales to processors and buyers. KALRO is exploring creating a bean value chain where farmers supply processors who convert beans into consumable products, thereby adding value and avoiding exploitation by middlemen.

The training also includes familiarization with mandatory standards for local, regional, and European Union (EU) export markets. Machini noted this is crucial for tapping international markets. He spoke at Kiambogo Centre in Gilgil Sub-County during an event that saw the official flagging off of nine tonnes of beans produced by the Ushirikiano Women Group, a cooperative of over 100 agribusiness women linked directly to buyers, ensuring value addition and fair pricing.

According to Machini, adoption of the Nyota bean variety is central to enhancing both yield and quality. The red-mottled Nyota beans mature in 60-70 days, are drought-tolerant and disease-resistant, and produce 6-10 90 kg bags per acre. They cook within 15-27 minutes and are rich in nutrients. The variety improves household food security and nutrition while providing a marketable crop for farmers.

The Nyota variety, developed at KALRO Katumani and released for national trials and commercialization in 2017, thrives in both hot, dry regions and cold highlands. County Chief Officer for Agriculture, Engineer Margaret Kinyanjui, highlighted the training on compliance with national and international regulations, post-harvest handling, and pre-harvest intervals. She noted the variety's promotion improves nutrition with high iron and zinc content, enhancing immunity and preventing stunted growth in children.

Engineer Kinyanjui emphasized the importance of empowering youth and women with technical skills to improve rural household incomes. She cited alarming local nutrition statistics, with 27.9 per cent of Nakuru's children under five stunted, 5 per cent wasted, and 10.2 percent underweight. Promoting the Nyota variety contributes to addressing nutritional deficiencies while conserving energy and minimizing deforestation.

Despite its nutritional benefits, per capita bean consumption in Kenya remains low, partly due to traditional beans' long cooking time. The Nyota variety addresses this challenge. Gender, Social Services and Inclusivity Chief Officer Ms. Gladys Kamuren noted the initiative prioritizes women farmers, particularly in rural areas, as they actively engage in agribusiness.

The Nyota variety was developed after extensive testing of 47 bean varieties across Kenya and Uganda, narrowing down to four varieties in Kenya and eight in Uganda. KALRO aims to establish a national bean corridor, encouraging farmers with half an acre or more to adopt Nyota beans. The organisation expects bean consumption in Kenya to double this year, meeting recommended micronutrient levels for zinc and iron.

A 2022 Kenya National Bureau of Statistics report highlights persistent nutritional challenges, with 18 per cent of children under five experiencing stunted growth and 42 percent of pregnant women suffering from anemia. Engineer Kinyanjui stated the county government's involvement is intended to increase rural household incomes, empower youth and women, and improve food security and nutrition while promoting climate-smart agriculture.