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Agriculture for Secondary Schools

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Figure 5.1: Some common bean varieties grown in Tanzania

Based on the state in which they are consumed, beans can be categorised as
green and dry beans. Green beans are eaten while still green and tender, whereas
dry beans are harvested when the pods are mature and dry. This chapter focuses
mainly on dry beans. In Tanzania, dry beans are the most commonly grown,
consumed and sold. Based on the growth characteristics, dry bean varieties are
categorised into three major types namely bush beans (determinate), climbing
beans (indeterminate), and semi-climbing beans (semi-indeterminate).

(a) Bush beans (determinate)
These are common beans that grow low and bushy (Figure 5.2 (a)). They grow
only to a certain height, and their pods develop and ripen at once. Bush beans
do not need support, mature quickly and are easy to manage and harvest. They
perform well in areas with short rains.

Figure 5.2 (a): Example of bush common bean

Student’s Book Form Three 65

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AGRICULTURE F3.indd 65
AGRICULTURE F3.indd 65 17/09/2025 14:11