Legumes
French beans, green grams, Cow peas, Soybeans
In Kenya, green grams are cultivated on approximately 296,289 hectares, while cowpeas cover around 249,908 hectares. French beans occupy about 29,000 hectares, primarily for export markets.
Regions Grown & Production by Country (2024)
Country | Key Legumes | Major Production Regions | Estimated Area (Ha) |
Kenya | French beans, Green grams, Cowpeas, Soybeans | Rift Valley, Eastern, Central, Western Highlands | 296,289 (Green grams), 249,908 (Cowpeas), 11,313 (Soybeans), 29,000 (French beans) |
Ethiopia | Chickpeas, Lentils, Beans | Oromia, Amhara, SNNPR | Data not specified |
Uganda | Cowpeas, Beans, Soybeans | Northern, Eastern, Central | Data not specified |
Tanzania | Soybeans, Cowpeas | Ruvuma, Iringa, Songwe | ~6,900 (Soybeans) |
Rwanda | Soybeans, Peas | Eastern, Southern Provinces | Data not specified |
Nigeria leads Africa in legume production, particularly in cowpeas and groundnuts. Ethiopia is a significant producer of chickpeas and lentils.
Top 5 African Legume Producers (2024)
| Rank | Country | Estimated Production Volume (Million Tonnes) | Key Legumes |
| 1 | Nigeria | 3.5 | Cowpeas, Groundnuts |
| 2 | Ethiopia | 2.0 | Chickpeas, Lentils |
| 3 | Sudan | 1.8 | Groundnuts, Cowpeas |
| 4 | Tanzania | 1.5 | Soybeans, Cowpeas |
| 5 | Uganda | 1.2 | Beans, Soybeans |
Growth Trends (2000–2024)
- Kenya: The area under green grams has expanded, with production reaching 168,404 tons in 2023. Kenya Data & Statistics
- Tanzania: Soybean production increased to 42,000 tons in 2022, a 59% rise from the previous year. IndexBox
- Rwanda: Soybean cultivation is growing, with 12% of households engaged in its production. AFS Forum – Africa Food Systems Forum
Export Markets
- Kenya: French beans are primarily exported to European countries, including the UK, France, and the Netherlands.Safi Sarvi Organic Fertilizer
- Tanzania: Soybean exports are directed to China, India, Pakistan, Rwanda, and Kenya. Kilimokwanza
Economic Impact
- Kenya: French beans are among the top vegetable exports, with the European Union being the primary market. In 2010, Kenya exported approximately 18,725 metric tons of French beans, valued at KSh 4.4 billion. Safi Sarvi Organic Fertilizer
- Tanzania: Soybean production has significant potential. In 2023, Tanzania exported $92.7 million worth of soybeans, making it the 18th largest soybean exporter globally. Kilimokwanza
- Rwanda: Agriculture employs 70% of the population, with soybeans accounting for 12% of household crop production. AFS Forum – Africa Food Systems Forum
Estimated Losses
- Pest & Disease: Up to 40% yield loss if unmanaged.
- Post-Harvest: Approximately 20% loss due to inadequate handling and storage.
Agronomic Challenges
| Challenge | Impact |
| Pests | Aphids, pod borers, and weevils affecting legumes |
| Diseases | Rust, blight, and mosaic viruses leading to yield losses |
| Climate Stress | Drought and erratic rainfall impacting growth and yields |
| Input Costs | High costs of quality seeds and fertilizers |
| Post-Harvest Losses | Inadequate storage leading to significant losses |