The Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA) has been honored with the prestigious Africa Food Prize for 2023, recognizing their exceptional leadership in the development of numerous bean varieties that improve farm productivity and profitability, and meet increasing consumer demand. The announcement was made by Africa Food Prize Chairperson, former Tanzania President Jakaya Kikwete during the AGRF2023 held in Tanzania.
PABRA has demonstrated unwavering dedication and commitment to improving nutrition and food security across the African continent by harnessing the potential of beans, a vital source of plant-based proteins and micronutrients including iron and zinc along with other essential nutrients. PABRA was recognized for their tireless efforts in breeding new varieties and making them accessible to farmers across Africa. Their research and development efforts have generated a multiple positive impact on the lives of countless individuals, particularly in communities facing food insecurity and malnutrition.
To-date, PABRA members have released over 650 improved bean varieties of diverse favorable characteristics. These varieties are grown by over 37 million smallholder farmers in Africa and consumed by more than 300 million people in Africa significantly improving nutrition, health, and food security. As a crop typically managed by women, PABRA beans enable more families to eat better and earn cash income.
Source: farmersreviewafrica.com