From the Field Kenyan bean farmers embrace beneficial insects and fruit trees to combat climate change
In Kenya, the BRAINS initiative by PABRA and ICIPE is tackling malnutrition and climate change by promoting beans, fruit trees, and edible insects. Partnering with farmers in Bomet and Homa Bay, the project empowers women and youth while building resilient farming systems.
In response to growing climate change effects, smallholder bean farmers in Kenya's Bomet and Homabay counties are using novel and sustainable agricultural techniques to boost resilience and production. By including helpful insects like bees and diversifying their fields with fruit trees (mangoes, avocados, and oranges), these farmers are mitigating the negative impacts of erratic weather patterns, fostering biodiversity, and enhancing human and soil health. This comprehensive strategy is proving to be a game changer, providing a viable paradigm for sustainable farming that strikes a balance between environmental protection, nutrition and economic success.
At the forefront of these efforts is the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, through its Pan Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA). By leveraging partnerships and cutting-edge research, PABRA is empowering smallholder farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture across Kenya and beyond.
The Challenge: climate change and Low Agricultural Productivity
Climate change significantly affects bean yield in Kenya through irregular rainfall, prolonged droughts, and rising temperatures. These issues lead to reduced yields, insect and disease emergence, and soil erosion, threatening food/nutrition security and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers especially women, youth and children who rely on beans.
The Solution: PABRA and the BRAINS project
Frame 2. Landry and Alicia from GAC interact with----- Bomet county CECM during the field trip in Feb 2025
The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, through PABRA, has been a driving force in addressing these challenges. The Building Equitable Climate-Resilient African Bean & Insect Sectors (BRAINS), a project being co-implemented by PABRA and International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. Funded by a CAD $20 million grant, BRAINS aims to directly benefit 5 million smallholder farmers and 2.5 million consumers across 15 sub-Saharan African countries. The project is modelled around the corridor approach
Key components of the initiative include:
- Climate-Resilient Crops: Developing and distributing drought-tolerant bean varieties and fruit trees like mango and avocado.
- Sustainable Practices: Using insect-based solutions such as biofertilisers, biopesticides and beekeeping-friendly trees to enhance soil fertility and pollination.
- Economic Empowerment: Investing in carbon-neutral, climate-resilient, and gender-responsive business development in line with emerging climate finance sector goals.
Spotlight on Bomet County: A Model for Success
In Bomet County, the impact of PABRA’s past and present investment is evident through partners like the Abosi TopHill Cooperative and Gorgor Primary School. The cooperative, a women-led initiative with over 600 members, has become a hub for agribusiness, empowering women and youth through the bean value chain. Meanwhile, Gorgor Primary School’s 4K Club has successfully integrated Nyota beans into school meals, using proceeds from bean sales to support the school library. Both partners are now integrating beneficial insects and fruits to diversify their production and strengthen the ecosystem in a more sustainable way.
The County Government of Bomet has also played a crucial role by fostering public-private partnerships in value addition for bee products and avocados, plus establishment of incubation centres for youth. These efforts are poised to create job opportunities for local communities.
Expanding Impact: Homa Bay County
The success of PABRA’s initiatives extends beyond Bomet to Homa Bay County, where 1,200 farmers (51% women and 18% youth) are benefiting from integrated farming systems. Through agroforestry, beans, aquaculture, goats, and mango cultivation, farmers are diversifying their income sources while improving food security. Learning sites and conservation groups, supported by organizations like Caritas, are accelerating the adoption of sustainable practices.
In Homa Bay, the focus on agroforestry and climate-smart agriculture is helping farmers adapt to changing weather patterns while enhancing soil health and biodiversity. These efforts are a testament to the scalability of PABRA’s model and the importance of partnerships in driving sustainable development.
Frame 3: Different actors in the BRAINS project visiting Mr Sana’s mixed farm of fruits, beneficial insects and beans in Lambwe, Homabay
The Power of Partnerships
The success of the BRAINS initiative underscores the importance of collaboration. PABRA and its partners are creating a sustainable model for food security and economic empowerment by working with national agricultural research institutes, local governments, and communities.
"The BRAINS initiative represents a groundbreaking approach to addressing climate change. By integrating beans, fruit trees, and edible insects into farming systems, we are not only improving nutrition and food security but also building climate resilience. These crops and practices enhance soil health, restore ecosystems, and provide sustainable livelihoods for smallholder farmers—especially women and youth. This is how we create a future where agriculture thrives in harmony with the environment."
Dr. Sunday Ekesi, Director of Research and Partnerships, ICIPE, and co-Principal Investigator of BRAINS
As Jean Claude Rubyogo, Bean Programme Leader & Director of PABRA, aptly put it:
“Integrating beans, fruit trees, and edible insects will greatly contribute to nutrition security, providing communities with access to affordable and nutritious food options and a platform for positive social change.”
"The success of the BRAINS initiative is a testament to the power of partnerships. By bringing together researchers, farmers, governments, and communities, we are not only addressing immediate challenges like malnutrition and food insecurity but also building long-term resilience. Together, we are creating a model for sustainable agriculture that can be replicated across Africa and beyond, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey toward a healthier, more prosperous future."
Alicia Sosa, First Secretary (Development), Pan Africa Regional Development Program, Global Affairs Canada
"Investing in a multidisciplinary project-like BRAINS is about building resilient communities and empowering women and youth to lead the way in sustainable development. By supporting innovative solutions like climate-resilient beans, fruit trees, and beneficial insects, we are creating a future where food security and economic opportunity go hand in hand. This is the kind of transformative change that will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come."
Claude Landry, Head of Cooperation, Pan Africa Regional Development Program, Global Affairs Canada
The Road Ahead
While significant progress has been made, challenges such as low productivity, high demand for seeds, and pricing disputes remain. However, with continued collaboration and innovation, these challenges can be overcome.
The work of the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, through PABRA, is an example of how research, partnerships, and community engagement can transform agriculture. By addressing food and, empowering farmers, and promoting sustainable practices, PABRA is improving lives and building a brighter future for generations to come.
Cover Image: Delegation from GAC, PABRA, ICIPE, KALRO with Bomet farmers, Feb 2025
The Team
Jean Claude Rubyogo
Leader, Global Bean Program, and Director, Pan Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA)
Warren Arinaitwe
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