Yam multiplication plots established across five regions

21 July 2023

Efforts to encourage the adoption and expand diffusion of the newly released yam varieties across five yam-producing regions – Abuja (Federal Capital Territory), Nasarawa, Niger, Osun, and Oyo, in Nigeria led to establishment of Demand Creation Trials (DCT) with farmers in 11 locations.

Some of the newly released varieties with outstanding consumer preferred traits were multiplied on-station at IITA, Ibadan in 2021 and used for the DCT.

The impact of yam breeding programs is measured through the dissemination outreach to yam growers. The IITA Yam Improvement Program (YIP) and AfricaYam project have been engaging farmers’ associations to create awareness about the developed varieties and establishing multiplication plots across selected locations.

There is also a growing acceptance of the new yam varieties introduced to farmers by IITA. With the dissemination outreach approach, farmers will now have access to climate resilient varieties with great potential for increased yield and income for yam growers.

The project, sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in rural areas of Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Nigeria, with the aim of providing suitable yam varieties for food, income, and nutrition security.

The IITA team is collaborating with Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), and the Association for Waste to Wealth, among others to reach organized farmers’ groups in Nigeria.

Contributed by Gboyega Pelemo