Rapid Spread of the Florido Yam Variety ( Dioscorea Alata ) in Ivory Coast

Abstract

This study discusses the factors that have influenced the rapid spread of the Florido yam (Dioscorea alata) in Ivory Coast. It was introduced there from Puerto Rico in the early 1970s by the Institut de Recherches Agronomiques Tropicales (IRAT) for a yam production mechanization project. For various reasons the mechanization project was abandoned, but the variety was nevertheless taken up by farmers in the late 70s. It was rapidly adopted and, since then, has spread throughout the country. The major reasons for the success of Florido among Ivorian farmers include its flexibility in the rotation cycle and planting time, the good storability and extended storage life of its tubers, and its resistance to most pests and diseases, especially the internal brown spot disease (IBS) and wilting, which usually adversely affect the production of D. alata varieties. Other advantages shown by Florido are its contribution to the farm's food security and net value added. It is clear that a variety introduced into a country for the wrong reasons can nevertheless spread rapidly if it has superior technical and economic attributes, even if it is a slowly multiplying root and tuber crop. Moreover, take-up of the crop may not require the active support of the country's national agricultural research and extension system.