AGRA

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Ghana’s agricultural landscape, a lifeline for millions of smallholder farmers, is under siege. Erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and prolonged droughts wreak havoc on crops, threatening food security. Climate change’s relentless grip has particularly battered bean yields, escalating food insecurity. Adding to this, maternal and childhood anaemia rates are alarmingly high, prompting an urgent need for nutritional interventions.

Amid these challenges, the demand for legumes is on the rise. Common beans, with their immense potential, have emerged as a beacon of hope for Ghana’s agricultural future. Recognizing this, AGRA, in partnership with the Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA) and the Crop Research Institute under the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research of Ghana, has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative.

The tripatite partnership, aims to develop and deploy drought-tolerant, high iron bean (HIB) varieties tailored to Ghana’s unique Legume-Rice crop rotation. This ambitious project involves rigorous on-station and on-farm testing of advanced drought-tolerant, high iron and zinc bean lines. The ultimate goal is the release of robust varieties that not only thrive in Ghana’s challenging climate but also enhance soil health and crop yields.

 

To date, two groundbreaking varieties, “Adoye” and “Ennepa,” have been introduced. These beans are not just climate-resilient but also nutrient-rich, addressing both environmental and nutritional challenges. With 600 kg of Adoye and 200 kg of Ennepa breeder seeds already produced, the future looks promising. Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) have been signed with four private companies, and breeder seeds have been supplied to two companies to produce foundation seeds under expert supervision.

The impact of this initiative extends far beyond just crop yields. By ensuring a resilient supply of nutrient-dense, climate-smart bean varieties, this project promises to improve food security, enhance farmer livelihoods, and significantly reduce the prevalence of maternal and childhood anaemia in Ghana.

Through innovative partnerships and forward-thinking solutions, Ghana’s bean revolution is paving the way for a sustainable and secure agricultural future.

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