The Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) in
Cameroon, have released seven new improved bean varieties onto the
market.
Among the traits the various varieties carry are disease
resistance, ability to tolerate heavy rains as well as suitability to
different cultivation altitudes and planting seasons. They also have
different maturity durations. Among them are the “bushy” bean types
which grow at ground level, and climbing beans, which can grow up to
1.5m high supported on stakes.
Cameroon is the main bean
producer and exporter in the region. Its rural households consume 40% of
beans produced, with the rest going to urban markets and supplying all
of the country’s neighbors. The country’s area under bean production has
increased from 78,000 ha (1985-87) to 231,000 ha (2005-7), while
average production rose from 53,000 tonnes (1985-87) to 202, 000 tonnes
(2005-7).
By working with bean researchers from the
International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) and those in
eastern and southern Africa, Cameroon’s scientists were able to test and
identify the improved seven bean varieties in a relatively short period
of time; three to four years. If they had gone through the normal
variety selection and breeding process, this process would have taken
twice as long.
A number of bean varieties found in West and
Central Africa have interesting traits that potentially could also
benefit eastern and southern Africa.
The Pan-African Bean
Research Alliance (PABRA) is composed of a number of national and
international research organizations to share information and
experiences.
African Agriculture
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