Farmers Knowledge and perception of yam new Rapid Multiplication Techniques in Northern Benin

Yam is an important tuber crop that highly contributes to food security in West Africa. Unfortunately, its varieties rarely combine all the desired agronomic and food quality characteristics hence indicating the necessity of crossing interesting genotypes. In the breeding programs, both vegetative and sexual reproduction are used by breeders. In order to assess farmers’ knowledge of, and perceptions on, various methods used, 12 villages randomly selected in the district of Bassila in northern Benin, were surveyed using participatory research appraisal tools and techniques among which focus group discussion, individual questionnaire, field visits. Knowledge on yam diversity, sexual reproduction, and recognition of male and female flowers, selection criteria and propositions for varieties crossings were recorded. Village Akaradè has the highest rate of varieties loss (48.28%). 20 farmers’ preference criteria were recorded; among them commercial value, yield, taste, productivity, are the most important. Cultivars Ouroutani (male) and Katala (female) were identified as good parents for crossing. The great majority (96%) of producers were unaware of the existence of sexual reproduction in yams, and expressed a desire for training. Seven diagrams of crossings were proposed by the producers based on sex and the characteristics of desired varieties. Breeders must train the producers on Rapid Technics of Multiplication and mainly on the use of the seeds resulting from opened pollination that generally occurs but burned in their fields.