Abstract: The genus Phaseolus (bean) has been reported to be of great economic importance in human and animal nutrition. In Eastern and Southern Africa, it is the second most important source of dietary protein. It is considered one of the best non-meat sources of iron, providing 23-30% of the daily recommended levels of iron from a single serving and has been associated with several health benefits. However, it is highly underutilized in Nigeria and its potentials to contribute to food security and poverty alleviation are not fully exploited. This could be due to the need for prolonged cooking and the presence of antinutritional compounds. This study was an investigation into the status of the crop based on available information from Plateau and Taraba states. Data was collected during expedition through direct observation, individual interviews and field visits using questionnaire with the principal respondents being farmers, traders and consumers of the crop. Most of the respondents were between 45-54 years. Only 13.7% had tertiary education. Majority (82.76%) use only the seeds and were generally aware of 5-8 landraces or varieties. The most important factor limiting the use of this crop is prolonged cooking time. About 55% believed the crop had average contribution to household income, while 44.8% opined that it had average contribution to women empowerment. The most common processing technique aimed at reducing antinutrients and associated discomfort was soaking. It is evident that there is limited knowledge of this crop even amongst respondents from the two states in Nigeria were it is believed to have a wider cultivation and consumption. Also genetic improvement is urgently needed in softening its seed coat and reducing the antinutritional contents for greater acceptability. This will only be possible through increasing its genetic diversity probably through mutation and selecting for these traits from available genotypes.