Articles
WHY DOES ARTOCARPUS ALTILIS REMAIN A BACKYARD TREE IN THE REPUBLIC OF BENIN?
Article number
757_14
Pages
115 – 120
Language
English
Abstract
In southern Benin, breadfruit is a delight for consumers for its nice taste and texture.
Local names indicate that breadfruit is an introduced plant, probably during the colonial period.
The local name Blèfoutou is a deformation of breadfruit, while Yovotévi literally means the European yam, suggesting it is as good as yam.
A survey showed that breadfruit is highly appreciated for its nutritional value and represents a viable alternative to yam.
The breadfruit tree still has the status of a volunteer plant, growing in humid zones along streams, almost exclusively in the southeast.
Cultivation and use of breadfruit has not received political support.
Historically the oil palm, a major plantation crop in Benin, was actively promoted during the 19th century by King Guézo, who required each family to plant a palm every time a child was born.
During the colonial period, a research station was created and oil palm was grown in large areas and promoted as an industrial crop.
Cassava, a major food crop in Benin today, also benefited from political support.
Government support and research are needed to promote the cultivation and use of breadfruita species with a great potential!
Local names indicate that breadfruit is an introduced plant, probably during the colonial period.
The local name Blèfoutou is a deformation of breadfruit, while Yovotévi literally means the European yam, suggesting it is as good as yam.
A survey showed that breadfruit is highly appreciated for its nutritional value and represents a viable alternative to yam.
The breadfruit tree still has the status of a volunteer plant, growing in humid zones along streams, almost exclusively in the southeast.
Cultivation and use of breadfruit has not received political support.
Historically the oil palm, a major plantation crop in Benin, was actively promoted during the 19th century by King Guézo, who required each family to plant a palm every time a child was born.
During the colonial period, a research station was created and oil palm was grown in large areas and promoted as an industrial crop.
Cassava, a major food crop in Benin today, also benefited from political support.
Government support and research are needed to promote the cultivation and use of breadfruita species with a great potential!
Authors
G. Gbèhounou
Keywords
breadfruit, yam, political support
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