Maize and climbing or bush beans grown together use light, water, and nutrients more efficiently than either crop alone, and give households both a staple grain and an affordable protein.
Beans fix atmospheric nitrogen, reducing fertiliser needs for the maize. Plant maize first at recommended spacing, then sow beans between rows a week or two later so neither crop shades the other out early.
Combine with terracing, mulch, and crop rotation to protect Rwanda's sloped soils. Storing dried grain in sealed bags with proper moisture control prevents the post-harvest losses that erode the season's gains.