Smallholder bean farmers in Rwanda

Smallholder farmers in Rwanda, typically operating on 1 hectare or less of land, are central to the country's food security and agricultural production. Beans serve as a primary staple food and a vital source of calories and protein for rural households. While these farmers contribute approximately 75% of Rwanda's overall agricultural production, they face significant structural barriers to market access, leading to a high rate of subsistence farming. Efforts by national and international organizations are currently focused on transitioning these farmers toward market-based production and improving public health through the adoption of biofortified iron bean varieties.