In Zimbabwe, Black Eyed Bean Proves A Hit Among Smallholder Farmers

In spite of the sweltering heat, smallholder farmers in this border district of Zimbabwe can cheer about the black-eyed beans. The beans – a new crop in the area - are small, creamy white, with a black mark at the sprouting point, making them easy to recognize.

From the way they cook to the way they sell, black-eyed beans have proved a big hit among the small farmers in this district, traditionally known for growing maize, groundnuts, cotton and sunflowers.

In 2002, USAID’s Linkages for the Economic Advancement of the Disadvantaged (LEAD Program) sub-contracted VeCO, a non-governmental organization, to provide 1,250 farmers with the necessary extension support services, skills and resources to produce both black-eyed beans and Macia sorghum, crops which are drought tolerant. The overall objective was to reduce food insecurity, improve food intake with a new edible crop, and provide a new source of income for poor smallholders in drought prone regions.

Nyarai Njenge, 35, one of the beneficiary farmers, did not know anything about black-eyed beans prior to 2002. But, now, as most of the beneficiary farmers, she knowledgeably recounts the nutritional, income and food security benefits of the crop.

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“I have always grown maize, groundnuts and sunflower, I only started growing black-eyed beans recently. Yet, for what I sold of the crop, I have already managed to buy two cows, and send my children to school from the proceeds. I am certainly not looking back,”said Njenge

When she started, Njenge planted 1000 square meters of black-eyed bean seed. Despite the drought, she managed to get a yield of 190 kilograms, convincing her that the crop is suitable for dry conditions.

“We received little rains but still managed a decent harvest. The crop is drought resistant, and one is assured of a harvest even during a season when there is a dry spell,” said another farmer John Nyakadika, 52

“This crop is very good because it gives us food and income. It is not difficult to grow, and a farmer can even grow and get a yield three times during a good season.”

Despite being a new crop, the black-eyed bean has created widespread interest among smallholder farmers in this dry and arid district.

“The young pods and the leafy shoots can be eaten as a fresh vegetable. The seed can be ground to make powder for tea. Also you can grind Macia sorghums, groundnuts and black-eyed beans and make bread that is so tasty it will make your tongue lick forever,” said John Nyakadika.

“I can get to feed the whole family, and it gives a good yield better than other beans that we have traditionally grown. Most people, including local farmers outside our program are interested in purchasing the seed,” said Njenge

“The leaves are also nutritious as vegetable relish. One can cook them as greens, or dry them up.”

The farmers also said that the black-eyed bean is good for improving the health of those infected by HIV and AIDS.

“My sister in law has been bedridden for a very long time. Every time she eats the beans that we have traditionally grown, she suffers from diarrhea. But ever since she started eating black-eyed beans, she is in a much better condition.”

The black-eyed beans are rich in the best sort of fibre which helps to eliminate cholesterol from the body. They are a good source of folate, potassium, copper, phosphorous and manganese.

As a high potassium, low sodium food they help to reduce blood pressure. Not only are they low in fat, but when combined with grains, beans supply high quality protein which provides a healthy alternative to meat or other animal protein. Black-eyed beans also contain protease inhibitors which frustrate the development of cancerous cells.

“I urge other farmers to grow black-eyed beans because there are numerous benefits. However, it requires a farmer with a heart for it. The crop is susceptible to disease and requires constant attention. However, the returns are worth it,” commented Njenge.

Used fresh or dried, the bean has found a permanent home in the hearts and fields of farmers in this district. The farmers are looking forward to permanently adopting it for future generations’ sake.

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