Assessment of the contribution of African yam bean (<i>Sphenostylis stenocarpa</i>) to farm households' food supply chain in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: African yam bean (AYB) had been largely grown in time past in Ekiti State for its huge nutritional, nutraceutical, and economic values. AYB's relevance in households' food supply chain and utilization has greatly reduced. Valid information on AYB consumption and utilization and possible constraints associated with its utilization in the State are therefore required to reposition the crop for food and nutrition security and policymaking

Objective: The study assessed the contribution of African yam bean to farm households' food supply in Ekiti State.

Materials and methods: Multistage random sampling technique was used in selecting 120 farm households for the study. Structured questionnaire and interview schedule were employed in data collection. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results: The result showed that AYB delicacies for food security among farm households in the study area include: 75% boil and eat AYB alone, 70% eat it as yam porridge, 64.6% eat AYB as corn porridge, 51.7% eat it as plantain porridge, 26.7% eat AYB as moi-moi, 24.7% eat it as snack (baked), while only 14.2% roast AYB for consumption. AYB seeds (31.7%), fresh leaves (22.5%), tubers (47.5%) and residues (78.3%) are crucial in livestock feeding. Some of the constraints against AYB consumption include: long cooking period (93.3%), poor awareness of its nutritional benefits among the people (81.7%), poor availability of the seeds in market (51.7%), and low demand for the commodity (49.2%).

Conclusion: The study recommends improved supply of AYB seeds for increased consumption and more awareness creation on the nutritional benefits of AYB among Nigerians.