Indigenous knowledge on diversity and conservation of two cocoyam genera (colocasia and xanthosoma) in uganda
Journal Title: Scientia Agriculturae - Year 2016, Vol 13, Issue 3
Abstract
Cocoyam (Xanthosoma spp and Colocasia spp) is an important nutritious tuber crop in Uganda, however, it has received limited attention worldwide in terms of research and development and this threatens cocoyam diversity. The aim of this study was to assess farmers’ knowledge on the diversity of two cocoyam genera available in their communities and their perceptions on the value of cocoyam crop in Uganda. A household and field survey was conducted in purposively selected districts in southwestern, central and Eastern parts of Uganda in 2014. A total of 255 households were interviewed using a pretested semi structured questionnaire. Results revealed that in southwestern and Eastern parts of Uganda, majority of households (over 60 %) were growing Xanthosoma types of cocoyam whereas in the central region majority (over 39 %) were growing both Xanthosoma and Colocasia types. In Central region, majority of respondents (over 63%) were aware of distinct cocoyam types whereas in Eastern and southwestern majority of respondents (51.7% and 55.1% respectively) were ignorant about the diversity of cocoyam available. Distinct Colocasia and Xanthosoma types were mostly differentiated by farmers basing on the color of plant parts as well as tuberization structure. Some respondents (18%) were aware of only one Xanthosoma that had been wiped-out in their communities largely due to its skin/throat irritating properties although it was high yielding. Across the sampled regions there was no clear conservation strategy for this crop; it’s just left on its own in the wild. Overall cocoyam was still a neglected crop though it’s valued as an outstanding household food security crop in rural communities in the country.
Authors and Affiliations
JB Muhumuza , AK Olatunde , J Okello , M Kyomugisha , K Adebayo
Keywords
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- EP ID EP112179
- DOI 10.15192/PSCP.SA.2016.13.3.126129
- Views 115
- Downloads 0
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