Overview of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), Economic Importance, Ecological Requirements, and Production Constraints in Kenya

Abstract

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a major legume crop of global and national importance, contributing significantly to food security, nutritional diversity, and the livelihoods of households by providing essential dietary protein, minerals and income.  In Kenya, common bean production is carried out mainly by small holder farmers as a key food and cash crop. The crop is majorly grown at altitudes ranging from 600 and 2700 m above sea level, with average grain yield of less than 0.85 tons/ha, compared to variety specific potential yields of >2 tons/ha. This below optimum production is attributed to  combination of socio economic, biotic and abiotic stresses such as land degradation, climate change effects, poor agronomic practices, poor pest and disease management and post-harvest handling, limited access to quality seeds, credit facilitates, value addition and organised markets. Understanding these interlinked factors is critical for designing targeted interventions, developing resilient varieties, and improving overall production efficiency. This review synthesizes current common bean knowledge by integrating fragmented research into a single reference, linking biological, agronomic, ecological, and socio-economic dimensions, and identifying key production constraints and research gaps. The findings provide a basis for future research and evidence-based policy interventions aimed at improving common bean productivity and sustainability in smallholder farming systems.