The Crops Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-CRI) has presented for consideration new climate-smart, nutrient-rich common bean varieties with the potential to combat malnutrition and climate challenges.

The bio-fortified bean varieties are high in iron and zinc as well as heat and drought-tolerant, bred to respond to climate change challenges, assuring reliable yields.

They are developed to address micronutrient deficiencies prevalent among vulnerable groups, particularly women and children in rural areas.

Micronutrient deficiency is alarming in rural Ghana.

Through bio-fortification, a method provided for reproduction plants to increase specific nutrients, scientists at the Crops Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-CRI) are promising an improved iron and zinc dietary intake through the release of high iron and zinc common bean varieties.

The two varieties are part of four newly-developed varieties of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) for consideration by the National Variety Release and Registration Committee.

The other two common bean varieties are drought and heat tolerant, an increasingly necessary variety due to the growing impact of climate change on agriculture.

Traditional agricultural methods and varieties of beans cultivation are leading many farmers to experience reduced harvests, threatening livelihoods and food security.

With the new common beans’ varieties, dependency on irrigation is cut, reliable performance is assured and production costs are reduced for farmers, whilst economic benefits are extended.

Director of CSIR-Crops Research Institute, Prof. Maxwell Darko Asante explains that the industrial benefits are enormous.

He is pushing for its consideration, and adoption into government and mass food production and feeding programmes.

“Common bean is a relatively new crop in Ghana, but it holds immense potential. It is an excellent source of plant protein, iron, and zinc, making it valuable for household diets, school feeding programmes, and nutrition-sensitive interventions.

“Beyond food, it offers industrial opportunities such as canned beans, bean flour for composite baking, and ingredients for processed foods. With these improved varieties, common bean can become a key driver of diversification, nutrition, and income for farmers,” he said.

The project is titled, "Developing and deploying drought tolerant and high iron and zinc bean varieties that fit the Legume-Rice crop rotation in Ghana".

The goal is to contribute to poverty alleviation, food security, nutrition, and environmental sustainability

Director of Crop Services at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Gyan Solomon Ansah was impressed with the improved characteristics of varieties whilst pushing for a tailored and accessible strategy for dissemination backed by policy.

“The characteristics of the new varieties are very important and impressive. The committee members are weighing the consideration, and will provide essential recommendations and subsequently decide on its approval.

“Dissemination is a very important part of the process to get the seeds to the farmers and ensure mass production. All others hands on the common beans value chain owe a duty. There must be a strong strategy of dissemination,” he said.

The development of the varieties forms part of a project under the Pan-African Bean Research Alliance (PABRA), coordinated by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, and sponsored by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).