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How Many Bags of Beans Per Acre in Kenya 2025 | Bean Yield Calculator
In Kenya, one acre of land produces between 4 to 20 bags of beans (90kg bags) depending on the region, variety, rainfall, and farming practices. The national average is 8-12 bags per acre for smallholder farmers using certified seeds with moderate inputs. High-performing regions like Western Kenya and Central Kenya achieve 14-20 bags per acre with optimal conditions, while semi-arid areas produce 4-8 bags per acre.
Use our free calculator below to get accurate bean yield estimates based on your specific farming conditions. Data sourced from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) 2025 Agricultural Survey and Ministry of Agriculture research.
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Complete Guide: How Many Bags of Beans Per Acre in Kenya
Quick Answer
One acre of land in Kenya produces 4 to 20 bags of beans (90kg standard bags), with the national average being 8-12 bags per acre for smallholder farmers. The exact yield depends on:
- Region & Rainfall: Western Kenya and Central Kenya produce 12-20 bags/acre, while Eastern Kenya produces 5-10 bags/acre
- Bean Variety: Improved varieties (Rosecoco, Canadian Wonder, GLP2) yield 30-50% more than local varieties
- Phosphorus Fertilizer: Beans fix nitrogen but need phosphorus - 25-50kg DAP increases yields by 30-40%
- Pest Control: Bean stem maggot and aphids can reduce yields by 40% without control
- Planting Timing: Early planting at onset of rains maximizes yield potential
Bean Yield by Region in Kenya (2025 Data)
1. Western Kenya (Highest Bean Yields)
Western Kenya (Bungoma, Kakamega, Busia, Vihiga) is the leading bean-producing region, with reliable rainfall and suitable temperatures.
Western Kenya Bean Yields:
- Average Yield: 14 bags per acre (1,260 kg)
- Range: 9-20 bags per acre
- Rainfall: 1,200-2,000mm (well distributed)
- Popular Varieties: Rosecoco, Mwitemania, GLP2, Canadian Wonder
- Planting Seasons: March-April (long rains), August-September (short rains)
2. Central Kenya (High Bean Yields)
Central Kenya (Kiambu, Murang'a, Nyeri, Kirinyaga) has excellent conditions for bean farming, often intercropped with maize.
Central Kenya Bean Yields:
- Average Yield: 12 bags per acre (1,080 kg)
- Range: 8-18 bags per acre
- Altitude: 1,500-2,500m (cool temperatures favor beans)
- Popular Varieties: Rosecoco, Canadian Wonder, KK8
- Market Access: Proximity to Nairobi ensures good prices
3. Eastern Kenya (Medium to Low Yields)
Eastern Kenya (Machakos, Makueni, Kitui, Meru, Embu) faces unreliable rainfall but drought-tolerant varieties perform well.
Eastern Kenya Bean Yields:
- Average Yield: 8 bags per acre (720 kg)
- Range: 5-12 bags per acre
- Best Varieties: Katumani, Mwitemania, KAT B1 (drought-tolerant)
- Challenge: Moisture stress during flowering reduces pod set
- Solution: Supplemental irrigation during critical stages
4. Rift Valley (Medium Yields)
Parts of Rift Valley (Nakuru, Bomet, Kericho) have good bean production, especially at higher altitudes.
Rift Valley Bean Yields:
- Average Yield: 11 bags per acre (990 kg)
- Range: 7-16 bags per acre
- Popular Varieties: Rosecoco, GLP2, Wairimu
- Note: Cooler highland areas perform better than lowlands
Top Bean Varieties in Kenya 2025
1. Rosecoco (Most Popular)
- Type: Bush bean (climber available)
- Maturity: 90-100 days
- Potential Yield: 12-18 bags/acre
- Market Price: KSh 9,000-11,000 per 90kg bag
- Best Region: Central, Western, Rift Valley
- Characteristics: Red speckled, high market demand, good cooking quality
2. Canadian Wonder (Red Kidney)
- Type: Bush bean
- Maturity: 85-95 days
- Potential Yield: 10-16 bags/acre
- Market Price: KSh 8,500-10,000 per 90kg bag
- Best Region: Central, Eastern (drought-tolerant)
- Characteristics: Dark red, early maturing, good for export
3. GLP2 (Glenda)
- Type: Bush bean
- Maturity: 75-85 days (early maturing)
- Potential Yield: 12-20 bags/acre
- Market Price: KSh 9,000-10,500 per 90kg bag
- Best Region: Western, Central
- Characteristics: High yielding, disease resistant, white with pink speckles
4. Mwitemania (Wairimu)
- Type: Bush bean
- Maturity: 80-90 days
- Potential Yield: 10-15 bags/acre
- Market Price: KSh 8,000-9,500 per 90kg bag
- Best Region: Eastern (drought-tolerant)
- Characteristics: Yellow, medium-sized, good for local consumption
5. Katumani (KAT B1)
- Type: Bush bean
- Maturity: 70-80 days (very early)
- Potential Yield: 6-10 bags/acre
- Best Region: Eastern Kenya, arid areas
- Characteristics: Drought-tolerant, escapes moisture stress, small white beans
6. KK8 (Kenya Kaki)
- Type: Bush bean
- Maturity: 90-100 days
- Potential Yield: 11-17 bags/acre
- Best Region: Central, Rift Valley
- Characteristics: Beige/tan color, resistant to common blight and halo blight
Factors Affecting Bean Yield Per Acre
1. Fertilizer Management for Beans
Critical Fact: Beans are legumes that fix atmospheric nitrogen through Rhizobium bacteria in root nodules. They DO NOT need nitrogen fertilizer (CAN, Urea, or high-nitrogen NPK). In fact, excessive nitrogen promotes vegetative growth at the expense of pod formation.
Recommended Fertilizer Program for Beans
Phosphorus-Based Fertilization (Per Acre)
Option 1: DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate)
- •Amount: 25-50kg per acre
- - Apply at planting in planting holes or furrows
- - Provides phosphorus (P) for root development
- - Also contains some nitrogen (safe for beans)
- - Cost: KSh 3,400-6,800 per acre
Option 2: TSP (Triple Super Phosphate)
- •Amount: 25-40kg per acre
- - Pure phosphorus fertilizer (46% P₂O₅)
- - Best for soils with adequate nitrogen
- - Cost: KSh 3,000-4,800 per acre
Foliar Feeding (Optional Boost)
- •Product: Foliar fertilizers with micronutrients (Boron, Zinc, Molybdenum)
- - Apply at flowering stage (6-7 weeks after planting)
- - Boosts flower retention and pod set
- - Examples: MetaGrow, Wuxal, Optimizer
Impact of Fertilizer on Bean Yields
| Fertilizer Level | Application | Expected Yield | Yield Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Fertilizer | 0 kg | 6-8 bags/acre | Baseline |
| Low Phosphorus | 25kg DAP | 9-12 bags/acre | +35% |
| Optimal Phosphorus | 50kg DAP | 12-16 bags/acre | +70% |
2. Planting Density and Spacing
Recommended Bean Spacing
Pure Stand (Beans Only):
- Row spacing: 50 cm (20 inches)
- Plant spacing: 10-15 cm (4-6 inches)
- Plants per acre: 54,450 - 87,120 plants
- Seeds per hole: 2 seeds (thin to 1)
- Seed requirement: 40 kg/acre
Intercrop with Maize:
- Maize rows: 75 cm apart
- Bean rows: Between maize rows (2 rows)
- Plant spacing: 15 cm within rows
- Plants per acre: ~40,000 plants
- Seed requirement: 25-30 kg/acre
3. Pest and Disease Management
Major Bean Pests in Kenya
1. Bean Stem Maggot - Ophiomyia sp.
Damage: Larvae tunnel into bean stems at seedling stage, causing wilting and death. Most damaging pest in Kenya.
Yield Loss: 30-70% without control
Control Measures:
- Use treated seeds (seed dressing with Cruiser or Gaucho)
- Apply soil insecticides at planting (Furadan 5G at 10kg/acre)
- Early planting to escape peak maggot population
- Remove and destroy infested seedlings
2. Aphids (Black Bean Aphid)
Damage: Suck sap from leaves, transmit viral diseases, secrete honeydew attracting sooty mold.
Yield Loss: 20-40% (direct + virus transmission)
Control: Spray systemic insecticides (Duduthrin, Tihan, or organic neem oil) when colonies appear
3. Bean Bruchid (Storage Pest)
Damage: Larvae develop inside stored beans, making them unmarketable and reducing germination.
Yield Loss: Up to 100% of stored beans if left untreated
Control: Store beans at 13% moisture, use hermetic bags (Purdue Improved Cowpea Storage bags), mix with ash (1 cup per 90kg bag)
Major Bean Diseases
1. Angular Leaf Spot - Pseudocercospora griseola
Symptoms: Angular brown spots on leaves, defoliation, seed infection.
Yield Loss: 40-80% in severe cases
Control: Use certified disease-free seeds, crop rotation (2 years), spray copper-based fungicides (Kocide, Milraz), plant resistant varieties
2. Common Bacterial Blight - Xanthomonas
Symptoms: Water-soaked lesions on leaves, pods, and stems.
Yield Loss: 20-45%
Control: Plant resistant varieties (KK8, GLP2), avoid overhead irrigation, use certified seeds, copper sprays (limited effectiveness)
3. Root Rot - Fusarium, Pythium, Rhizoctonia
Symptoms: Yellowing, wilting, dark rotted roots, stunted growth.
Yield Loss: 30-70% in waterlogged soils
Control: Improve drainage, seed treatment with fungicides (Thiram, Apron Star), crop rotation, avoid planting in waterlogged fields
4. Water Requirements and Rainfall
Beans require 350-500mm of well-distributed rainfall throughout the growing season (3-4 months). Critical water-demanding stages:
- Germination (0-2 weeks): Consistent moisture for uniform emergence
- Flowering (5-7 weeks): Most critical - water stress causes flower drop
- Pod Filling (8-10 weeks): Determines final grain size and weight
💡 Irrigation Tip for Beans
In areas with unreliable rainfall (Eastern Kenya), supplemental irrigation during flowering can prevent flower abortion and increase yields by 40-60%. Drip irrigation is ideal - apply 20-25mm of water per week during critical stages.
Complete Cost-Benefit Analysis: Bean Production Per Acre
Production Costs Per Acre (2025 Estimates)
| Cost Item | Quantity | Unit Price | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Land Preparation | Plowing & harrowing | - | KSh 4,500 |
| Certified Bean Seeds | 40 kg | KSh 180/kg | KSh 7,200 |
| DAP Fertilizer | 25 kg (½ bag) | KSh 6,800/bag | KSh 3,400 |
| Seed Dressing (Maggot control) | Cruiser/Gaucho | - | KSh 800 |
| Pesticides | Insecticides, fungicides | - | KSh 2,500 |
| Planting Labor | 2 person-days | KSh 400/day | KSh 800 |
| Weeding (2 rounds) | 4 person-days | KSh 400/day | KSh 1,600 |
| Harvesting & Threshing | - | - | KSh 3,000 |
| Bags & Transport | - | - | KSh 1,500 |
| TOTAL PRODUCTION COST | KSh 25,300 | ||
Revenue and Profitability Scenarios
| Scenario | Yield (bags) | Revenue @KSh 9,000 | Net Profit | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poor Yield | 6 bags | KSh 54,000 | KSh 28,700 | 113% |
| Average Yield | 10 bags | KSh 90,000 | KSh 64,700 | 256% |
| Good Yield | 15 bags | KSh 135,000 | KSh 109,700 | 434% |
| Excellent Yield | 18 bags | KSh 162,000 | KSh 136,700 | 540% |
Note: Calculations assume bean price of KSh 9,000 per 90kg bag (Rosecoco variety, 2025 average). Prices fluctuate: harvest time KSh 7,000-8,000, off-season KSh 11,000-14,000.
💰 Profitability Tips for Bean Farmers
- •Store for off-season sales: Bean prices double from harvest (KSh 7,000-8,000) to off-season (KSh 12,000-15,000). Use hermetic bags (PICS bags at KSh 400 each) to prevent bruchid damage.
- •Target export market: Red kidney beans fetch premium prices for export (KSh 12,000-15,000/bag). Contact exporters like Kenya Crop Exporters, Ngong Road.
- •Intercrop with maize: Beans + maize intercropping increases total revenue by 30-40% per acre compared to maize alone, plus beans add nitrogen to soil.
- •Two seasons per year: In high rainfall areas, grow beans twice yearly (March-June and September-December) for double income.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How many bags of beans can an acre produce in Kenya?
One acre produces 4-20 bags of beans (90kg bags), with the national average at 8-12 bags per acre. Western Kenya and Central Kenya achieve 12-20 bags/acre with improved varieties and proper inputs, while Eastern Kenya produces 5-10 bags/acre.
Q2: Which is the best bean variety for high yields in Kenya?
GLP2 (Glenda), Rosecoco, and Canadian Wonder are the top-yielding varieties, producing 12-20 bags/acre. GLP2 matures in 75-85 days and is disease-resistant. For drought-prone areas, choose Mwitemania or Katumani (KAT B1).
Q3: Do beans need fertilizer? What type?
Beans fix their own nitrogen and DO NOT need nitrogen fertilizer (CAN, Urea). They only need phosphorus fertilizer: 25-50kg DAP or TSP per acre at planting. Phosphorus promotes root growth and nodulation. Applying nitrogen fertilizer reduces yields by promoting leaves over pods.
Q4: How much does it cost to farm one acre of beans?
Total cost is approximately KSh 25,000-27,000 per acre, including land prep (KSh 4,500), seeds (KSh 7,200), fertilizer (KSh 3,400), pesticides (KSh 2,500), and labor (KSh 5,400). With 10 bags yield at KSh 9,000/bag, gross revenue is KSh 90,000, giving net profit of KSh 63,000-65,000.
Q5: How do I control bean stem maggot?
Bean stem maggot is the #1 pest. Use treated seeds (seed dressing with Cruiser or Gaucho before planting). Alternatively, apply soil insecticide (Furadan 5G at 10kg/acre) in furrows at planting. Early planting and removing infested seedlings also helps.
Q6: Can I make money from one acre of beans?
Yes, beans are highly profitable! One acre with moderate inputs (KSh 25,300) and average yield of 10 bags earns KSh 90,000 revenue and KSh 64,700 net profit (256% ROI). Storing for off-season sales when prices reach KSh 12,000-15,000/bag can boost profit to KSh 100,000+ per acre.
Q7: When is the best time to plant beans in Kenya?
Plant beans at the onset of rains: March-April (long rains) for harvest in June-July, and September-October (short rains) for harvest in December-January. Beans mature in 75-100 days depending on variety. Early planting within the first week of rain onset gives best yields.
Q8: How do I prevent beans from being destroyed by weevils in storage?
Dry beans to 13% moisture before storage. Use hermetic bags (PICS bags) which suffocate weevils/bruchids without chemicals - they cost KSh 400 and protect beans for 12+ months. Alternatively, mix 1 cup of clean wood ash per 90kg bag. Avoid chemical sprays on beans meant for eating.
Government Resources and Support for Bean Farmers
Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)
Bean research, improved varieties, pest management, and farmer training. Free technical advice available.
Visit KALRO →Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC)
Market information system with daily bean prices across Kenya, warehouse receipt system, market linkages.
Visit EAGC →Ministry of Agriculture - Subsidized Inputs
Access subsidized DAP fertilizer at KSh 3,500-4,000 per 50kg bag (50% discount) through county agricultural offices.
Pan-African Bean Research Alliance (PABRA)
Development and distribution of improved bean varieties for Africa. Partners with KALRO to release new varieties.
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Last Updated: January 2025 | Data Sources: Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) Q1 2025 Agricultural Survey, Ministry of Agriculture Economic Review 2024, KALRO Bean Research Reports 2024-2025, Pan-African Bean Research Alliance (PABRA)