Embu: The Embu County Government has entered into a partnership deal with the non-profit farmer-based organization Cereal Growers Association (CGA) to promote the growing of bio-fortified Nyota beans, known for their high iron and protein content.
According to Kenya News Agency, the partnership, set to run for three years, will involve 3,500 farmers and 85 schools across Embu County in the Nyota Beans Campaign funded by the Rockefeller Foundation through the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). CGA is one of the stakeholders in the campaign alongside HarvestPlus and Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) that has developed the bean variety.
The programme is being implemented in three African countries: Malawi, Tanzania, and Kenya, where it is currently being run in five counties, namely Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Elgeyo Marakwet, Narok, and Bomet, according to AGRA Commercialization Officer Sammy Okita. Speaking on Friday at Kiamuringa Primary School grounds in Mbeti South Ward, Embu, during a farmers' field day, Okita said integration of Nyota beans in the school feeding programs will ensure the learners have access to nutritious meals.
'This variety of Nyota beans has a high content of proteins, zinc, and iron that will go a long way in addressing micronutrient deficiencies in children, thus improving their overall health,' he said. Additionally, Okita said the farmers who will embrace farming the beans will be given priority to deliver the grains to the schools before turning to traders thus boosting their incomes.
'We want to build a sustainable value chain where we will be able to connect growers with markets including schools and traders,' said Okita. CGA official, Moses Mwanje, speaking after signing the deal with Embu Agriculture CEC, John Nyaga, said their main activity will be to equip schools and farmers with the knowledge and skills to cultivate the beans. This, he said, will aid in increasing production to meet the growing demand of Nyota beans owing to its high nutritional benefits.
'We also want to promote cultivation of the beans as a viable agribusiness venture among the young people also,' he said. He added that the beans are drought-tolerant and early maturing making them suitable for cultivation in various ecological zones and assisting farmers adapt to climate change.
CEC Nyaga hailed the programme as transformative as it is set to enhance food security, nutrition, and economic empowerment for farmers. He said they are projecting to set aside a kitty in the forthcoming financial year budget towards purchase of the beans to popularise its adoption in the county.