Factors Affecting Production and Consumption of African Yam Bean (SphenostylisstenocarpaHochst. Ex. A. Rich) Harms) in South-East Agro-ecological Zone of Nigeria

The study assessed factors affecting production and consumption of African yam bean, identified the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, assessed factor affecting their production, and consumption of AYB and then identified factors affecting the adoption of African Yam Bean technologies in Imo and Enugu states. All the objectives were achieved using simple descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequencies and means. Mean score were determined using likert point scale measurement. The result revealed that African Yam Bean is cultivated majorly by women and middle aged farmers who are still within their productive age with high level of farming experience in the studied locations. Meanwhile, only a few of the farmers belonged to a cooperative societies of farmers organizations in Imo state while majority of the farmers belonged to farmers organization in Enugu state. Below revealed the factors affecting production of African Yam Bean to include high yielding ( = 4.7); early maturing (=4.2); resistant to disease (= 4.1); soil selection (=4.0); drought tolerant (=4.2); ability to maintain its colour over time (=4.0); high nutritious value (=5.0); accessibility (=3.8); affordability (=4.7); complexity (=3.6); and compatibility (=3.8). Also, factors influencing African Yam Bean technology in the studied area which include high nutrient content (=5.0); simple to process (=3.6); palatability (=4.6); less expensive (=4.5); high markatebility (=3.9); high economic value (=4.6); durability (=4.5); health benefits (=4.7); and it is demand driven (=4.3). Keywords : African Yam Bean, Effect, Production, Consumption DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/13-10-06 Publication date: May 31 st 2022