Knowledge State of Two Endemic Varieties of Dioscorea cayenensis-rotundata with Yellow Flesh ("Kounougbé" and "Kangba") Cultivated in the Gbêkê Region and the Level of Chemical Weeding Use

Abstract

Background: Yam is the main staple food in Ivory Coast and plays a crucial role in food security. However, indigenous yellow-fleshed varieties of the Dioscorea cayenensis-rotundata species, such as "Kounougbé" and "Kangba" are gradually being abandoned in favor of modern varieties. Study Design: A study was conducted in the departments of Bouaké, Béoumi, Sakassou, and Botro, in the Gbêkê region, to assess the knowledge of these varieties, the preference for their tubers, and the use of chemical weeding. Results: The chi-square (χ²) test of independence showed that variables gender, age group, ethnic group and educational level influence significantly (P < 0.05) the knowledge level of "Kounougbé" and "Kangba" varieties. This knowledge level is relatively high in the different departments. The study revealed that uneducated people have better knowledge (83.97%) of these varieties. It also indicated that people aged at least 55 years old have a very good knowledge of these varieties. Moreover, the survey revealed that the natives are more familiar with "Kounougbé" and "Kangba" varieties with a rate of 92.68%. Concerning the characteristics preference for said varieties tubers and chemical weeding use, they impact meaningfully (P < 0.05) the age group variable. People at least 55 years old have the highest preference and use of chemical weeding levels with respective rates of 98.61% and 41.46%. Conclusion: This study constitutes a source of basic data which would contribute to the revaluation of endemic varieties of yellow-fleshed yam.