The common dry bean is the main source of protein, food and income for the majority of rural
smallholder farmers in Uganda especially the women and children, and any constraints hindering
its production directly affects these vulnerable groups. Despite its importance, there has been an
unmerited decline in bean production over the last few decades as a result of bean anthracnose
disease. Breeding for genetic resistance to bean anthracnose and the use of participatory variety
selection which aims primarily at accelerating the transfer of new lines to farmers’ fields, are the
most practical and economical options for controlling anthracnose and popularising the new
varieties to smallholders farmers.The objectives of this study were to introgress anthracnose
resistance into existing susceptible market class varieties, generate segregating populations,
make selections and conduct farmer participatory evaluation trials to identify new bean lines
having characteristics that are preferred by both farmers and the market for release as new
varieties.A total of 365 new bean lines were generated and 54 of these were introduced to 10
farming communities in four different ecological zones for evaluation using the participatory
variety selection approach. Farmers were able to select eight promising lines, which were earmarked
for new variety release. Out of the eight lines, two have already been released.It can thus
be concluded that the participatory variety selection acts as an entry point into the farming
communities where new varieties are introduced to farmers. Furthermore, participatory variety
selection is reliant on farmer preferences and rural livelihood dynamics.