1. INTRODUCTION
Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) is considered a staple crop and an important source of nutrients for all kind of people worldwide. In Rwanda, the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the leading legume staple due to its prominent contribution to food, nutrition and income security. It has been variously described as a near-complete food; meat for the poor and green meat for the rich. Per capita consumption varies with each producing and consuming country and also among regions within a country depending on consumer preferences but can be as high as 66 kg/capita/year in Rwanda. Mature dry seeds of common bean are eaten as a pulse and the immature pods and seeds as a vegetable. The leaves of common bean are sometimes eaten as vegetables.
2. VARIETIES
Bean varieties available in Rwanda for different agro ecological zones include the following: