Nakuru: The Nakuru County government, in collaboration with the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), is providing training to over 15,000 farmers on the cultivation of the ‘Nyota’ bean variety. This initiative focuses on teaching proper agronomical practices for this high-yielding and disease-resistant bean, with an eye on tapping into the export market.
According to Kenya News Agency, Agriculture Chief Officer Mr. Newton Mwaura stated that the training venture is supported by the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). It aims to help farmers from Njoro, Subukia, Rongai, Bahati, and Gilgil Sub-Counties meet the mandatory standards required by the European Union (EU) and other export markets. The training is part of the ‘Enhancing Climate Change Resilience in East Africa’ (ECREA) Project, which seeks to improve farmers’ resilience to climate change by providing better access to weather and climate information services through collaborations with research institutions and meteorological services.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Climate Action lever of the Alliance of Biodiversity International and CIAT through the Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA), focuses on enhancing the adaptive capacity of East African countries like Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda to extreme weather events and climate change. Mwaura explained that agricultural officers and lead farmers are being trained on using weather and agricultural practices to improve high iron bean productivity, minimize rejection by off-takers and processors, and ensure quality Nyota bean grain for local and international markets.
Mwaura noted the importance of adopting the Nyota bean variety, which is fast-maturing, nutrient-rich, and adaptable to varying climates. Participants in the training are also being educated on compliance with laws and regulations to access local, regional, and export markets. The Nyota bean, high in iron and zinc, aims to prevent stunted growth in children, boost immunity, and increase Kenya’s horticultural world market share.
Although young farmers in the county are eyeing international markets, many are unaware of the post-harvest treatment requirements and standards set by the EU and other marketing agencies. Mwaura emphasized the need to educate farmers on appropriate methods to manage quarantine pests and diseases to protect and grow the European market.
The collaboration between the county government, research institutions, and other players aims to increase rural households’ farming incomes by empowering youth and women with technical skills to enhance food security and nutrition. Micronutrient deficiencies, such as zinc deficiency, remain a challenge in Kenya, affecting 83 percent of children aged 6-59 months.
Statistics from Nakuru’s Department of Health reveal that 27.9 percent of the county’s children under five are stunted, above the national level of 26 percent. The Chief Officer expressed concern over low bean consumption in the country, attributing it to the lengthy preparation process. The Nyota variety, developed by KARLO Katumani and released for trials in 2017, thrives in diverse climates and offers nutritional benefits.
KALRO plans to establish a bean corridor across the country, encouraging farmers to participate. The organization estimates that bean consumption will double this year, with Nyota meeting crucial micronutrient levels. KARLO is also exploring the creation of a bean value chain for farmers to supply processors who can create consumable products like noodles.
A 2022 report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics highlights nutritional challenges, with 18 percent of children under five experiencing stunted growth and 42 percent of pregnant women suffering from anemia.