Step-by-step guide to successful bean farming

Damaris Awino alias Nyasuba tends to her climbing beans at her home in Katito in a picture taken on January 10, 2017. [Denish Ochieng, Standard]

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the world’s most important legume for human consumption, according to Katungi et al 2010. Beans are a source of proteins which makes the Kenyan population depend highly on them. The market for beans is overwhelming, and depending on the quality and type of beans, the prices per 90kg bag of beans range between Sh7,000 and Sh12,000. The price is dynamic and influenced by seasons and varieties. Some varieties which are not grown by many farmers, can fetch a higher price due to the difference in demand and supply.

Improved beans

There are numerous bean varieties. Between 2008 and 2018 around 33 new varieties were released through research organisations like Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro), Egerton University and Kenya Seed Company.