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Knowledge4Policy
KNOWLEDGE FOR POLICY

Supporting policy with scientific evidence

We mobilise people and resources to create, curate, make sense of and use knowledge to inform policymaking across Europe.

Publication | 2022

PABRA and the power of beans in Africa: 25 years of transformation

The release of 657 new bean varieties, in 31 countries of Africa over 25 years, which have reached more than 37 million farmers (58% of whom are women), along with good farm management have more than doubled yields in many cases, thus significantly improving nutrition, health, and food security in Africa.

PABRA takes on the challenges of climate change. Our improved varieties mature early in 65 to 90 days, thus helping to reduce the risk of drought and harvest failure. In addition, improved pest and disease tolerance and access to timely climate information enables farmers to further diminish risks. As a result, many smallholder farmers are already achieving significantly higher bean crop yields, thus enhancing their household income and food security.