“This land has witnessed war and loss, but today it is a place of renewal. Every field we plant is a declaration that we are rebuilding, recovering, and moving forward. Through these beans, [thanks to the Beans Empowerment for Women Project], we are creating pathways to economic independence, better nutrition, and stronger communities. From production to marketing, the entire bean value chain offers opportunities for women’s empowerment.”

“Our work has always been about improving farmers’ livelihoods. While breeding better bean varieties remains central to what we do, we have also focused on technology transfer and digital agriculture. Through the collaboration between CIAT, through PABRA, and TARI, we are making sure that new technologies do not remain on the shelf but reach farmers where they are needed most. By doing so, we are helping farmers improve productivity and move towards more efficient and modern production practices.”

“I’m really impressed with how the private sector has been integrated into the seed system under the ACCELERATE Project. It has closed the gap between research and the market, with commercial actors investing in improved varieties and working directly with farmer groups. This is helping drive real adoption of open-pollinated varieties.”

“I harvested 180 kilograms of beans — two full 90-kilogram bags — from just 2 kilograms of Waithera bean seed [developed through the collaboration between KALRO and PABRA] Previously, I would harvest less than 30 kilograms from the same piece of land. This time, I got two full bags. The difference was unbelievable.”

“Through a partnership involving the Institute of Agricultural Research of Mozambique (IIAM), the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT’s Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA), and Phoenix Seed Company, bean seed production in Mozambique has expanded to 460 hectares. Phoenix Seed Company is currently producing certified seed of the bean varieties NUA45 and Sugar 131, with production reaching 702.6 metric tons and 731.5 metric tons, respectively. Basic seed production has also grown substantially, reaching 615.9 metric tons for NUA45 and 609.3 metric tons for Sugar 131. This growth is improving farmers’ access to quality seed and helping to bridge the gap between research innovations and adoption in farmers’ fields.”

“Beans are a staple food in Uganda and across East Africa, and an important source of protein for many families who cannot afford animal products. They are eaten daily and are widely served in homes, schools, and hospitals. However, many traditional bean varieties take more than three hours to cook, at a time when the cost of fuel and energy is very high. Most households still rely on charcoal and firewood rather than electricity or gas. At the same time, farming conditions are becoming more difficult. Rainfall is less predictable, droughts and heat stress are increasing, and new diseases and evolving pathogens continue to emerge. That is why the beans we develop must not only meet consumers’ needs, but also be able to thrive under these changing production conditions.”