Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important source of food and income. However, its on-farm diversity and conservation by smallholder farmers is not known in the east Hararghe Zone of eastern Ethiopia. Thus, field survey was conducted from November 2018 to February 2019 to assess the on-farm diversity, cropping system and the role of gender in production and management of common bean varieties. Common bean producing districts were selected purposively whereas sub-districts (kebeles) were selected randomly. Three kebeles from each of the two major agro-ecological zones, two key informants and twelve general informants from each kebele were selected to constitute a total of 84 informants. The selection of general informants was stratified based on gender and wealth status. Structured interview guide was used to interview general informants whereas semi-structured interview guide was used to interview key informants. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted in R (version 3.5.2). Seven farmers’ varieties of common bean were identified of and their diversity was higher in tepid, moist mid highlands (M3) whereas cropped area (ha) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in tepid sub-humid highlands (SH3) agro-ecology. Most activities of common bean were undertaken by male adults. Insect pests were the prominent constraints of common bean production. Farmers’ varieties were used as food and feed, and soil fertility management. Therefore, their on-farm and ex situ conservation, maintenance of endangered varieties, and shortage of cropping land due to chat plantation need special concern to promote their cultivation.

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