Yams are an important and valued food in West and Central Africa. Yet every year it is harder for yam producers to keep up with demand. Their problems include poor soils, pests and diseases and—above all—lack of capital. Simple, low-cost ways for farmers to produce ‘clean’ (pest-and disease-free) planting material for their yam crops exist. Yet while many farmers are aware of these techniques, they are hesitant to get involved in seed-yam production because of the investment this implies, and the time it takes for them to see returns.
