“I’m happy that I did not give up on growing iron-rich beans because they have a high demand from local markets and people, due to their nutritional benefits, particularly for children and pregnant women.”   

These are the words of Joy Kansiime, a 48-year-old Ugandan farmer, who specializes in iron-rich beans (IRB), a crop she had cultivated for years, but only found greater success in after training by the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA). Early 2022, she harvested 500kgs of IRB, all of which was sold within her village and neighboring communities at UGX 5000 (USD 1.34) per kilogram.  

*Iron-rich beans are one of the Biofortified Crops promoted jointly by SAA and Harvestplus, aimed at enhancing the iron content in beans commonly consumed in Uganda.

“My beans are sought after for their quality and nutritional richness,” she said. 

Her second harvest, early this year, saw her get 700 kg of produce, out of which she has already sold 600 kgs, mainly through the Kitura Abamwe Group, which she joined in 2018. Her increasing income has allowed her to clear outstanding debts, support her children’s education, and provide nourishing meals to her household.  

Indeed, Ms. Kansiime’s venture has been transformative for her community, as it brought the nutrient-rich beans closer to her people, paving the way for healthier lives and a brighter future for the communities. 

Retrieved from SAA E-Newsletter, issued in September 2023 with Focus on Uganda

Harvesplus website: Iron Bean