KALRO’s Inclusive Seed Strategy Boosts Climate-Resilient Bean Farming

In Summary

• KALRO pilots inclusive seed demand strategy with champion farmers for last-mile distribution.
• Collaboration with CIAT promotes climate-resilient Nyota and Waithera bean varieties.
• Nyota yields 6–10 bags/acre; Waithera doubles output at 55 kg per kg planted.
• Strategy targets 4,000 households in Narumoru, Kieni East, and other regions.
• Challenges include seed mixing, limited access to certified seeds, and scaling.
• Aims to transform bean farming, Kenya’s second most important food crop, by 2026.

The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), in partnership with the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), is piloting an innovative seed demand strategy that leverages champion farmers to ensure last-mile distribution of climate-resilient bean varieties.

This initiative, focused on regions like Narumoru in Kieni East, Nyeri County, aims to enhance bean production, boost farmer incomes, and improve household nutrition through high-yielding, drought-tolerant varieties like Nyota and Waithera.

Strategy and Impact

KALRO’s strategy involves champion farmers who distribute certified seeds, assess local seed needs, and relay demand to seed companies, ensuring farmers access market-preferred varieties. In Narumoru, 4,000 households have adopted Nyota, introduced in 2021, which yields 6–10 bags (90 kg) per acre, matures in 60–70 days, and resists common bean diseases.

The newer Waithera variety, piloted in Kieni East, Nakuru, Bomet, and Elgeyo Marakwet, produces 55 kg per kg planted—double Nyota’s output and six times that of local varieties like Wairimu. Waithera is climate-smart, cooks faster, has low flatulence, and contains higher zinc and iron levels, addressing nutritional needs.

Dr. David Karanja, KALRO’s National Coordinator for Grain Legumes, explained that champion farmers also aggregate harvests for bulk sales, securing better prices.

“This model ensures farmers get quality seeds and markets, transforming livelihoods,” he said during a field visit in Narumoru.

Farmer Rebecca Waruguru from Gatuanyaga harvested 100 kg from 1.75 kg of Waithera seeds, praising its taste and low gas production. Agnes Nyaguthii, another farmer, produced 150 kg from 4 kg, eager to share seeds with neighbors.

Collaboration with CIAT

KALRO’s partnership with CIAT, supported by the Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA), focuses on breeding climate-resilient beans suited to Kenya’s diverse agro-ecological zones.

Nyota, bred for high iron and zinc, and Waithera, designed for cold nights and drought, thrive in Narumoru’s challenging climate. CIAT provides technical expertise, ensuring varieties meet market and nutritional demands.

By October 2025, KALRO plans to produce sufficient Waithera breeder seeds, with commercial availability nationwide by 2026.

Challenges and Solutions

Farmers often mix seed varieties, reducing yields, as noted by Dr. Karanja. KALRO is deploying extension officers for capacity building and demonstrations to promote pure seed use.

Limited access to certified seeds remains a hurdle, with only 20% of African farmers using improved inputs, per AGRA. The county government’s free Nyota seed distribution in Narumoru has spurred demand, and KALRO’s Mkulima Shops are expanding access to certified seeds at subsidized rates.

Broader Impact

By 2026, KALRO aims to scale the strategy to more counties, leveraging champion farmers to reach 10,000 additional households, boosting bean yields, and strengthening Kenya’s food security.