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  • Publication | 2024

Economic analysis of PABRA-led projects in Burundi and Zimbabwe: Application of cost-benefit analysis approach

Global Food and Nutrition Security

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important crop with potential for improving food and nutrition security, economic opportunities, and agroecosystems. Burundi and Zimbabwe are at risk of food and nutrition insecurity and a substantial proportion of the population is malnourished, mainly in rural areas. Domestically, 34.5% and 28.9% of women 15 to 49 years old suffer from chronic anemia, while 54.0% and 23.5% of the children under 5 years of age are stunted in Burundi and Zimbabwe, respectively (UNICEF, 2021; USAID, 2018)1 . Common beans potentially provide a sustainable option for addressing these food and nutritional challenges and enhancing income, particularly in rural areas, through increased bean production, distribution, processing, and consumption. Therefore, investing in bean value chains would provide a sustainable source of protein and micronutrients, particularly iron and zinc, needed for a healthy life for women of reproductive age (15–49 years) and children under five years who mostly suffer from malnutrition.