Malnutrition is a serious problem among Kenyan children throughout the country.Statistics indicate that every year, more than 70,000 Kenyan children die before their 5th birthday as a result of the menace.
An estimate of about 80% of children aged 6-23 months; do not receive the minimum acceptable diet which includes micro nutrients such as vitamin A, iodine and iron which are necessary for healthy growth and development.
Green without borders, a non-governmental organization, has teamed up with the national and county governments to scale up Nutrition in the country.
The organization is working hand in hand with schools, tertiary institutions and local communities to create awareness on malnutrition.
It has come up with an improved bean variety that is drought tolerant and high in yield.
According to healthline.com, iron deficiency is the number one public health concern in the world. “This been varieties will tackle this problem.” observed Andrew Egala an Agribusiness Consultant- Innovation & Sustainability officer at green without borders.
The three varieties namely, Katumani bean 9, Katumani bean 1 and katumani x 56 matures in 60 days, are drought tolerant and easy to cook.
While typical beans contain about 50 parts per million of iron, the new varieties contain 82 parts which is about 60 percent more.
They also contain 50% more zinc, a micro nutrient vital for a strong immune system.
According to Mr. Egala, the organization is trying to establish ‘a food basket approach’ given that the new varieties can yield up to 20 bags of 90 kg per acre if well planted.
He explains that timely planting is crucial and sowing should be at the onset of the rains after a minimum of 30 mm of rainfall has been received.
Farmers in western region have given the varieties a trial and have had positive yields.
John Anami a farmer at Khwisero, who learnt about the new variety from a poster, revealed that he has never realized such output ever since he ventured into farming.
He said that he harvested 6 bags of the same from a half an acre adding that he targets to plant the new variety on the whole of his three acre land in the coming short rains season.
Peter Shikokoti from Shiyunzu in Lurambi is a happy man after harvesting 16 bags of beans from his one acre piece of land.
Peter said that he strictly followed the instructions and has just finished packing his bags.
He said that despite the dry seasons experienced especially at the time the beans were flowering, the beans were not affected at all.