The Common Beans Farming course provides farmers, extension officers, and agripreneurs with essential knowledge and practical skills to enhance productivity, quality, and profitability in bean production across Kenya’s diverse agro-ecological zones. Developed by KALRO researchers, the course draws on validated Technologies, Innovations, and Management Practices (TIMPs) to address challenges such as declining soil fertility, pest and disease pressure, and climate variability.
Through step-by-step instructional videos, learners are guided through the entire bean production cycle — from land preparation and variety selection to post-harvest handling and marketing. The course emphasizes good agricultural practices and integrated crop management techniques that promote sustainability and improved yields.
Participants will learn how to:
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Select high-yielding and disease-resistant bean varieties suited to their region.
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Prepare land and manage soil fertility using organic and inorganic methods.
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Apply correct spacing, planting depth, and seed rate for optimal growth.
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Manage common pests and diseases such as bean fly, aphids, and angular leaf spot.
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Implement efficient water and weed management practices.
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Harvest and handle beans properly to maintain quality and minimize losses.
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Access value addition and marketing opportunities for increased income.
By the end of the course, farmers will be able to apply climate-smart and research-based practices to achieve higher productivity, better grain quality, and improved household food security through sustainable bean farming.
