Abstract:

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) has evolved rapidly in Africa and is steadily transforming from a traditional
subsistence to a market-oriented crop, with major impacts on household incomes, food and nutritional security,
and national economies. However, these benefits are yet to be felt in many parts of the continent because of
multiple constraints that limit bean productivity. The Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA) has been at
the forefront of efforts to accelerate the transition of beans from a subsistence crop to a modern commodity in
Sub-Saharan Africa. This paper presents a unique partnership model and the breeding and seed delivery strategies
used by PABRA to reach millions of beneficiaries with improved bean varieties. The breeding strategy involved
the paradigm shift from a monolithic approach where varieties were bred for yield or resistance to single
environmental stresses, to a grain type-led and market-driven approach. The PABRA model comprises partnerships
between and among Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical (CIAT), National Agricultural Research Systems
(NARS), public and private sector actors along the varied bean product value chains, and technology end-users.
This model led to the release of over 200 varieties during 2003-2011, including beans with resistance to multiple
constraints (biotic and abiotic), high iron and zinc content, and those for specific niche markets. PABRA reached
7.5 million households with seed of improved bean varieties during 2003– 2008 and is expected to reach an
additional 14 million by 2013. From this undertaking, aspects that lend to policy recommendations to key
stakeholders in the common beans value chain include: facilitation of access to credit; promotion of breeder and
foundation seed production; easing of restrictions on the release of varieties; facilitation of collective marketing
schemes; and deliberate policy frameworks to encourage the use of complementary integrated crop management
practices.