Beans are one of Africa’s key crops. The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is the second most important source of dietary protein and the third most important source of calories for the people of eastern and southern Africa. Over the past ten years, however, common bean yields in parts of Africa have dropped by as much as 50 percent. The reasons for this include low soil fertility, insect pests and diseases and, most important of all, root rots caused by fungi. Today there is new hope for farmers, who can fight fungi using a combination of control measures. This Pocket Guide summarizes the solutions. This booklet outlines the solutions for bean root rot.