In the Kateera village, Uganda, farmer Marycian Nakaniako often planted popular crops such as maize, coffee, or plantains. When a seed producers’ cooperative offered her a new variety of bean seeds to try, she accepted the opportunity.
The results were life changing. Not only did she see an increase in her family income, but also a significant improvement in yield — more than doubling the harvest — which ultimately opened doors and opportunities for herself and her children. For her, the greatest achievement has been not only constructing a new house and purchasing more land, but being able to educate her disabled daughter. Her story is just one of many who have benefited from the positive potential of beans.
At a time when many around the world are feeling the consequences of multiple global crises, from food insecurity, to weather extremes and the increased cost of living, beans prove to be a simple viable solution to some of the world’s most pressing issues.
About the author
Paul Newnham
Paul Newnham is a strategic innovator and executive leader with over 25 years of expertise managing complex stakeholder relationships, designing campaign strategies, and extensive knowledge of the not-for-profit sector. He possesses strong business acumen, exceptional advocacy skills, and the ability to build deeply engaging relationships to influence decision-makers and deliver impactful solutions to complex problems alongside communities globally. Paul Newnham founded the SDG2 Advocacy Hub in 2015, a secretariat convened to connect NGOs, advocacy groups, civil society, the private sector, and United Nations agencies around Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger.
