The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has said that the African yam-bean contains more than 30 percent protein, higher than other plants and crops, and has the ability to survive different ecological systems in Nigeria.
A Genetic Professor and Principal Investigator for African Yam-Bean at the IITA, Morufat Balogun, disclosed this at the ongoing research by the Institute in Kano on Wednesday.
According to her, while the crop can withstand climatic changes after showing prospects even in areas with less rain fall, it is a high nutritional-packed crop that has been abandoned due to introduction of quick maturing crops.
The crop, with over 40 varieties has the ability to produce both bean and tuber, a source for protein and calories needed.
She also described the crop as high nutritional packed crop abandoned due to introduction of quick maturing crops.
According to Balogun, the crop has the ability to withstand changing climate conditions as shown by research.
“African Yam-Bean is an indigenous crop. It is a legume, traditionally held in high importance especially in south western Nigeria.”
“Taking Africa yam-bean secures the health and nutrition of the family because it contains more than 30 percent of protein, higher than other plants and crops.”
“It also has the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. All crops usually require nitrogen phosphorus and potassium and some micro-nutrients for them to grow well in the soil.
“This crop is able to fix the nitrogen in the air and convert it to what is needed in the soil that means it will reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers and bring farmers more profit by spending less on fertilizers.
“It was forgotten due to national and international support as well as funding for crops like cowpea and soybean.
The rebirth of this crop will lead to better environmental preservation thereby leading to higher food security because it comes with better options and more nutrients,” she added.
