On August 23, 2023, the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) joined forces with the Alliance for Biodiversity International and CIAT/PABRA to convene a one-day meeting involving various stakeholders within the bean value chain. This gathering brought together government officials, partners, and investors with the aim of strategizing for the production of bean seeds during the upcoming 2024A season.

The primary agenda revolved around discussing the distinct roles of each participant in bolstering the sustainability of the bean value chain, alongside promoting the adoption of high-quality bean seeds. The meeting drew to a close with insights shared by Dr. Florence UWAMAHORO, the Deputy Director General in charge of Agricultural Development at RAB. She underscored the significance of active engagement between companies, partners, and smallholder farmers in the pursuit of a sustainable bean value chain and effective market connections.

Starting from 2010, in partnership with CIAT, RAB has successfully released 39 varieties of both bush and climbing beans, which notably include 18 biofortified varieties. Notably, RAB oversees bean production, amounting to approximately 580,000MT annually, with a considerable portion being consumed locally in households or traded within the local market.