Diversity of African Yam Bean in Yoruba Communities of Benin | InformativeBD

Orobiyi Azize, Faton Manhognon Oscar Euloge, Zongo Élisabeth Aboubié, Sossou Kpèdé Nicodème, Houngbo Marcel, Dossou Pierre Fourier, Ogoudjobi Ladékpo Sylvain, Balogoun Ibouraïman, Dansi Alexandre,  and Lokoyêyinou Laura Estelle,  from the institute of Benin. wrote a Research article about, Diversity of African Yam Bean in Yoruba Communities of Benin. Entitled, Inventory of african yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) Harms) diversity in some Yoruba areas of Benin. This research paper published by the International Journal of Biosciences | IJB. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

The study aimed to document varietal diversity, uses, production constraints, and farmers’ selection criteria for the African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) in Benin, identify production areas, prioritize constraints, evaluate genetic diversity, determine varietal selection criteria, and gather endogenous knowledge on cultivation practices, use, conservation, and seeds. A participatory ethnobotanical survey involving group investigations and individual surveys was conducted in ten villages in the Yoruba cultural zone of southern Benin (Plateau and Collines departments). Surveys used participatory methodologies, including group discussions with the four-square method for variety distribution, comparison matrix for constraints and preferences, and structured questionnaires for individual data from 21 households. Data included socio-demographics, varietal nomenclature, diversity loss, uses, preferences, and constraints, with statistical analysis of traits frequency entered in Excel. Eleven local varieties were identified, differentiated by seed color (41.7%), cooking time (25.0%), and ritual/symbolic functions (20.8%), with 2-7 varieties per village. Main constraints included pod rot (17.24%), lack of trees for intercropping (17.24%), and market outlets (12.06%). Diversity loss showed high erosion (up to 100% in some villages). Uses were domestic consumption (100%) and rituals (50%). Preferences focused on seed availability (61.9%). Production declined in 81% of producers, with solutions proposed as upright varieties (42.9%) and improved practices (37.1%). Local knowledge is crucial for conservation despite erosion; revitalization requires farmer-led selection, adapted varieties, and institutional support, with biochemical/molecular characterization recommended for true diversity assessment. 

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Introduction

Food and nutritional security remain a crucial challenge in many regions of sub-Saharan Africa, where population pressure and climatic hazards compromise the availability and accessibility of food resources. One of the strategies proposed to strengthen the resilience of food systems is the promotion of neglected and underutilized crops, which offer significant genetic and nutritional diversity (Nnamani et al., 2019). Among these crops, Sphenostylis stenocarpa (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) Harms, known as the African yam bean (AYB), is a tropical legume native to West and East Africa, characterized by its dual use: protein-rich seeds and nutritious tubers (Palanga et al., 2025). Several studies have documented the high nutritional value of AYB, including protein content comparable to other legumes and a favorable composition of essential amino acids (Ojuederie and Balogun, 2017).

Despite its advantages, AYB remains underexploited and marginalized in African farming systems due to low institutional interest, limited cultural acceptability, lack of consolidated agronomic data, and seed-related issues such as long cooking time and antinutritional factors (Edem et al., 2025). This situation keeps AYB among “orphan crops,” i.e., species with high potential but little recognition in agricultural and food policies (Sphenostylis stenocarpa conservation review, 2025). At the genetic and agronomic level, recent investigations have revealed significant diversity among AYB accessions, both phenotypically and molecularly (Shitta et al., 2022). For instance, Shitta et al. (2022) demonstrated considerable phenotypic variability in a large collection of accessions conserved at IITA, suggesting a rich genetic base that could be exploited for breeding programs. However, despite these advances, the understanding of local varietal diversity cultivated by farmers, as well as the associated indigenous knowledge (nomenclature, uses, selection criteria, constraints), remains fragmentary in many rural African areas, including Benin. In particular, areas with a strong Yoruba cultural identity, where AYB is traditionally grown, have not yet been comprehensively studied to link local diversity with socio-agricultural dynamics.

In this context, the present study aims to identify the production areas of Sphenostylis stenocarpa in the Yoruba cultural zone of southern Benin; characterize the varietal diversity as perceived by farmers; analyze the local production and conservation constraints; determine farmers’ criteria for varietal selection; and document traditional knowledge related to the cultivation, use, conservation, and seeds of African yam bean.

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Source : Inventory of african yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) Harms) diversity in some Yoruba areas of Benin