Beans are eaten in most Ugandan homes and mature in about three months, giving farmers two seasons a year.
Varieties
Improved NABE varieties, including iron rich biofortified types, are bred for yield and disease resistance. Climbing beans yield more on small plots in highland areas; bush beans suit lowlands.
Planting
- Bush beans: about 50 cm between rows and 10 to 20 cm between plants
- Climbing beans: use stakes and wider spacing
- Plant at onset of rains
Fertility
Beans fix nitrogen, but respond well to manure and phosphorus at planting.
Pests and diseases
- Bean fly and aphids
- Anthracnose, angular leaf spot and root rot
Use clean seed, rotate crops and avoid working in wet fields.
Harvest and storage
Harvest when most pods are dry. Dry thoroughly, thresh, clean and store in hermetic bags to prevent bruchids.
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