Abstract:
Dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.,) cultivated varieties were introduced in Uganda from Latin American as a result of the Spanish and Portuguese trader ventures at the Zanzibar and Mombasa ports about 16th Century. Beans are believed to have been established as a food crop well before the colonial era, although it is not precisely known as to when they first arrived into Uganda. In Uganda, bean yields are estimated at less than 500 kg/ha, much less than the SubSaharan Africa average of more than 770 kg/ha. Farmers in Northern Uganda still experience low production due to dependence on nature for production, low yielding varieties, lack of quality seed, poor cropping systems. In addition, the existence of other constraints like diseases, insect pests, drought and low soil fertility. Most farmers use cultivars susceptible to these constraints.This manual therefore shall guide Agricultural extension workers and community based facilitators to train farmers so that bean production and productivity is improved in northern Uganda.