“I used to crave and eat stones due to low iron levels, which affected my gut health significantly. Since incorporating Nyota beans into my diet, my cravings have stopped, and I feel much healthier,” shared an anonymous resident. This powerful testimony highlights the transformative impact of Nyota beans, an iron-rich variety that is now being distributed in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

World Vision is spearheading this initiative by distributing 30 metric tonnes of high iron beans as part of the ENRICH Project, which aims to enhance maternal and child health through improved nutrition. Iron deficiency, which affects 2 billion people worldwide, is a significant issue in developing countries, particularly among women and children. In Elgeyo Marakwet, a 2016 baseline survey revealed alarming rates of stunting (33%) and underweight children (17.8%) among those aged 6 months to 5 years. Nyota beans, developed by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), are a sustainable solution to these nutrition challenges. These beans are not only high in iron but also rich in zinc, boosting immunity and reducing the risk of diseases such as diarrhea.

This initiative aligns with the broader efforts of the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) program, a flagship project of the African Development Bank’s Feed Africa Initiative. Sponsored by the African Development Bank (AfDB), TAAT aims to improve agricultural productivity, mitigate risks, and promote diversification and processing across 18 agricultural value chains, including high iron beans. In Kenya, TAAT’s High Iron Beans Compact is being implemented through a collaboration between the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), KALRO, the Cereal Growers Association (CGA), county governments, private sector, and development agencies. These efforts are driving the transformation of the bean business in Kenya, ensuring that nutrient-rich beans like Nyota are widely disseminated to combat malnutrition and enhance food security.