The International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) has reported a new drought-resilient white bean – most commonly used to make baked beans – being deployed to Ethiopia, as erratic weather has threatened national production and farmers’ incomes.
Severe drought in Ethiopia, Africa’s largest exporter of the bean used to make baked beans, could hit production for millions who cultivate and rely on income from the bean. The drought – the worst to hit the country’s bean-producing areas in 10 years, researchers report – has cut yields by 30 percent.
Low rainfall at the height of the bean season in the Rift Valley can also reduce bean quality. Combined with other factors influencing the world price – the beans are exported mostly to Europe for canning –farmers are expected to less income and prices have already fallen.
Read the full article on CIATnews.