Yam, one of Africa’s most revered staple crops, continues to hold a central role in the agricultural and cultural fabric of Nigeria. The recently released General Household Survey (GHS) report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) highlights the distribution of farming households engaged in yam cultivation across the country, revealing significant regional disparities in its production for the 2023/24 farming season.
Regional Analysis of Yam Farming
The report shows that the South East dominates yam farming activities in Nigeria, with 41.9% of households engaged in cultivation. This high percentage underscores the region’s historical and cultural ties to yam farming, particularly in Igbo land, where yam holds immense socio-cultural and economic significance.
The South West follows with 28.9%, reflecting its robust agricultural base and a growing interest in diversifying staple crop production. The South South region also records a strong showing, with 27% of households involved in yam farming, emphasizing its adaptability…