The research team at work in a bean plot in the Yakawlang district of Bamyan Province, Afghanistan.

UCA

The research, recently published in Agronomy, says that “red bean plants are the best option given the dry and harsh climate patterns associated with this mountainous region of central Afghanistan, particularly when irrigation water is in limited supply”.

However, both varieties – red and pied beans – are considered suitable crops for the region and a good source of nutrition for families.

Fieldwork in Afghanistan was realised within the framework of UCA’s “Pathways to Innovation” (P2I) programme, a three-year programme (2017-2020) to promote knowledge and analytical skills in mathematics, science and economic policy in Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The programme was funded by the International Development Research Centre and the Aga Khan Foundation Canada.