Experimental Comparison of Bean Yields and Consumer Acceptability of Biofortified and Conventional Beans in Burundi

Biofortified beans enriched with iron and zinc have demonstrated their potential to address micronutrient deficiencies responsible for numerous physical and intellectual developmental problems in children, as well as maternal mortality. This study aims to provide data on the combined agronomic performance and consumer acceptability of biofortified beans compared to conventional beans. The experiment was conducted in the Giheta district of Gitega province. Using a randomised complete block design (RCBD), eight bean varieties (Rufutamadeni, Kinure ndende, Kinure ngufi, Mugwiza, Musengo, Muhoro, Magorori, and Mukungugu) were cultivated, each with three replicates. For acceptability, a sample of 30 participants randomly selected took part in a sensory evaluation to analyse consumer perceptions of the eight dishes prepared from the eight bean varieties. The Mann-Whitney test shows no statistically significant difference in yield between biofortified and conventional beans. However, a favourable yield trend was observed for biofortified beans (1157.16 kg against 934.77 kg). The Kruskal-Wallis also demonstrated that all varieties exhibited comparable yields, with a promising trend for the Mukungugu variety, which reached its potential yield. The OLS model revealed that vegetative factors (plant height, angle diameter, and number of leaves per plant) contributed more to increased bean yield than productive factors (average number of flowers per plant, average number of pods per plant, and average pod length). The integration of innovative fertilization practices (a combination of mineral fertilizers and organic manure) and the use of biofortified bean seeds significantly contributed to increased yield. In addition to this promising trend in terms of yield, biofortified beans are also increasingly appreciated by consumers for their excellent taste and short cooking time. Their ease of preparation is also a factor in their preference. Overall, biofortified beans are a naturally best and most sustainable way to combat malnutrition and preserve the future generation.