The Yam Minisett demonstration aimed to educate farmers, particularly women, on producing clean, disease-free seed yams to enhance yields and improve livelihoods. The Department of Agriculture observed low women participation in yam production and recognized the challenge of producing quality seed yams in the district. The focus was on implementing women-friendly activities to address these issues and potentially boost household incomes.
Land preparation involved clearing fields dominated by spear grasses, followed by ridging to optimize land use and increase seed yam production. The ridging method was preferred for its efficiency, resulting in 40 ridges constructed during the demonstration. Lessons learned included introducing farmers to ridge preparation, a new practice in yam production for many.
Planting activities utilized synthetic insecticides and fungicides to treat minisetts, ensuring healthy propagation. Despite challenges such as unfavorable rainfall patterns affecting participation, the demonstration successfully established protocols. Participation figures showed a combined total of 477 attendees, highlighting community engagement.
Observations revealed farmers’ prior knowledge of seed yam selection but limited understanding of minisett preparation and chemical treatment. The demonstration aimed to strengthen farmers’ skills and knowledge in seed yam production, with anticipated outcomes including increased adoption of improved technologies.
