agrl_innovations_in_ssa.pdf?utm_content=buffercb41d&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

Activities contributing to the latest new releases form part of Rwanda’s Crop Intensification
Program, the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS), and Vision
2020 Program for socio-economic and food security transformation (ISAR, 2009). In addition
the agriculture sector’s strategic plan supports both the development of roads to improve
market access and farmer access to good seed, fertilisers and credit.
A new concept, Innovation Platforms (IPs) supported by FARA was initiated with farmers in
a number of districts at the end of 2008. Each IP comprises farmers, finance organisations,
input suppliers, extension staff, research staff and the private sector involved in both seed
multiplication and marketing beans. Members of the IP consult on identifying opportunities
for value chain improvement. RADA and ISAR together trained farmers in commercial seed
production. According to farmers interviewed at an IP in Musanze District in February 2011,
it is still too early to assess impact although they do see a bright future. For instance, some
IP farmer members reported obtaining credit more readily from finance organisations. Other
IP farmer members reported that they are now producing seed that commands high prices
resulting in higher incomes.
Achievements. Over 20 improved climbing bean varieties have been released and been
adopted by households across different farm sizes, gender and socio-economic groups. CIAT
(2008) report over 94 percent adoption of new varieties in major bean-growing areas. Yields
are typically three times those of bush beans, being 3–4 tonnes per hectare compared to 1
tonne per hectare for bush beans and have generated an additional US$ 8–15 million annually
to the people of Rwanda. In January 2010, ISAR and CIAT released 15 new climbing, bush and
snap bean varieties after 10 years of participatory breeding involving ISAR researchers and
farmers, the majority of who were women
Three different successful aspects of the new bean varieties were identified by ISAR: improved
taste, higher productivity, and market-preferred attributes among both farmers and consumers
(ISAR, 2010). In addition, development of heat-tolerant varieties has benefitted not only
Rwanda but also neighbouring countries. Yields for beans grown for both grain and seed are
higher and farmers who venture into commercial seed production receive higher incomes than
those who produce beans for food.
The role of women in the breeding and development process has been particularly noted.
Women are quite precise about which variety to grow, in which soil type, with which intercrop
and when in the season, along with which variety to cook for home consumption or sell in local
markets.
Emerging or unresolved challenges. Despite remarkable adoption of new bean varieties and
increased production several challenges still exist (Mcharo and Katafiire, 2009). These include:
the scarcity of cultivable land with over 70 percent of rural households not growing sufficient
beans for their home consumption, large yield losses still being experienced as a result of:
• Pests, diseases, drought and declining soil fertility
• Slow dissemination of new resistant varieties especially in the drier parts of the country
The case studies: Eastern Africa 39