Yam farming antedates the historic period on the West Coast of Africa with early Iberian explorer, Pacheco Pereira, who in 1505 mentioned the existence of established trade between Bonny in the east Niger delta and yam growing areas in the hinterland at the time of his visits to Nigeria [10].
Who introduced yam?
Yams originated in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Africans call yams “nyami,” which is where we get the word “yam.” They are cylindrical and vary in size.
When did Africa get yams?
The view, expressed in some detail by Murdock (1959), that yam cultivation developed in West Africa only as part of the “Malaysian plant complex” (of yams, aroids, sugar cane, and bananas), reaching West Africa later than 2,000 B.P., has gained wide acceptance, in spite of the above-mentioned works of Burkill and
Which state produces yam in Nigeria?
The largest yam producing states include Benue, Taraba and Niger while Nasarawa, Oyo, Kogi, Ondo and Delta states also have reasonably high levels of yam production.
Where did pounded yam originate from?
Pounded yam or Iyán(Yoruba) is a Nigerian food native to the Yoruba, Igbo, Ebira and Tiv ethnic groups. It is a traditional food. It is prepared by pounding boiled yam with a mortar and pestle. Pounded yam is similar to mashed potatoes but heavier.
Are yams native to Nigeria?
Yam domestication occurred along an axis at the forest–savannah ecotone in the eastern part of West Africa [10], where Nigeria is geographically. Nigeria is reputed to have the most advanced yam culture and civilization in the world [11].
Who brought sweet potatoes to Africa?
Sweet potatoes are native to South America and were introduced to Africa in the 1600s via Portuguese trade routes.
What ethnic group brought yam?
African slaves
Both the American yams and the Caribbean yams are of the “tuber” family. The mix-up with the yam and sweet potatoes came about when African slaves were brought to the United States and they referred to the potato as a “nyami,” which is an African word for yam in English.
Why are yams so important to the Igbo?
It is a symbol of strength and power which due to the patriarchal nature of Igbo culture is associated with the male gender. Yam is seen as a male crop and a male thing and thus a symbol of authority. There is nearly no significant occasion in Igbo land that doesn’t include the display or eating of yam.
Why is yam important in Nigeria?
Yams as a stable food crops do not only serve as integral vehicle for food security, but also as a source of income, and employer of labour in the producing areas in Nigeria.
What is yam called in Nigeria?
Yam (Puna) is very popular in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.
Which country has the best yam?
The top ranked country, Nigeria, accounted for 67.3 % of yam production in the world. The top 3 countries hold a 88.2 % share while the ten largest countries some 96.9 % in 2019.
Which Country Produces the Most Yam?
| Yam Production | Unit |
|---|---|
| Ghana | kt |
| Guinea | kt |
| Haiti | kt |
| Ivory Coast | kt |
Does Nigeria import yam?
(2018) are of the opinion that yam could be harnessed to become a reliable foreign exchange alternative to crude oil exports. In spite of the fact that Nigeria is the world’s largest producer of yams, Nigeria should simultaneously be the largest exporter of yam in the world. However, this is not the case.
Is fufu Nigerian or African?
Fufu is a staple of West African cuisine you can easily serve with stews and soups to complete a delicious and satisfying meal. Traditionally made from cassava root and green plantains, it is a smooth, dense, soul-satisfying, and mild-flavored side dish that turns almost any dinner into finger food.
Which country invented fufu?
Fufu is often dipped into sauces or eaten with stews of meat, fish, or vegetables. The dish reportedly originated in Ghana, where it is a staple.
What is yam called in Africa?
Across parts of West Africa, it is also referred to as fufu — the name really depends on where you are in West Africa. Sometimes, the yam is also pounded with cocoyam/taro, cassava or plantain.
Are yams from West Africa?
Yams are perennial herbaceous vines cultivated for the consumption of their starchy tubers in many temperate and tropical regions, especially in West Africa, South America and the Caribbean, Asia, and Oceania.
Where do most yams come from?
Native to Africa and Asia, yams vary in size from that of a small potato to a record 130 pounds (as of 1999). There are over 600 varieties of yams and 95% of these crops are grown in Africa.
Which country is the largest exporter of yam?
Ghana
Exports of yam tubers reached a record-high of US$48million last year, according to data from the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) – making the country the world’s largest exporter of yam.
Who brought potatoes to Kenya?
British farmers
Introduced to East Africa by British farmers in the 1880s, the potato has grown in importance – both as a staple food and as a source of farmer incomes – over the past 30 years.
Who invented candied yams?
Candied sweet potato dishes may have originated in 16th century Europe, but candied yams as we know them down South are mostly American, as evidenced by Carver’s and many other candied sweet potato recipes published in the late 1800s and early 1900s, “A Sweet Potato History” determined.