New beans could transform Kenyan canning industry.

Researchers from the University of Nairobi, Kenya have developed superior, better-yielding, drought-resistant varieties of beans. The new varieties that have now gone through validation process by the regulators have much shorter cooking time, an attribute that is favourable to the canning industry and consumers because it significantly reduces energy costs.

Equally significant about these varieties is that beans ‘considered’ a woman’s crop has the potential to transform the lives of many women. These varieties, once released into the market, are expected to make a strong impact in countries in eastern Africa, including Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.

Video shot by Sven Torfinn.
Produced by Panos Pictures for Sci.Dev.