Farmer trait preferences and implications for demand-led yam breeding in selected production areas of West Africa

This study aims to enhance yam breeding by incorporating end users’ trait preferences and socioeconomic factors. A sample of 480 yam farmers from Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire was selected using a multi-sampling approach. Data were collected using a 5-point Likert scale to identify key traits for cultivar selection. Kendall’s coefficient of concordance assessed agreement among farmers on their rankings, while a binary logistic regression model analyzed factors affecting trait preferences. Findings revealed that farmers in Benin prefer drought-tolerant cultivars with good pounding quality, whereas those in Côte d’Ivoire prioritize high yields, disease resistance, and tolerance to low soil fertility. In Ghana, desirable traits include a high germination rate, tuber size (3–5 kg), and early maturity. In contrast, Nigerian farmers favor high germination rates, excellent pounding quality, and good tuber size. Understanding these preferences is vital for developing improved yam cultivars to boost adoption and enhance food security in West Africa.