Cocoyam Utilisation Pattern among Rural Households in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the cocoyam utilisation pattern among rural households in Ekiti State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used in the selection of 160 respondents. Data were obtained using an interview schedule on sources of information used by the households, the pattern of cocoyam utilisation, respondents’ perception towards cocoyam utilisation and constraints to the utilisation. The Data obtained were analysed using mean scores, standard deviation, frequency and percentages. The results showed that family and friends were the main sources of information (66.3%) utilised by the respondents. Also, direct consumption of the cocoyam tubers (X̄=3.78+3.27) and use for the treatment of snake bites (X̄=2.45+2.05), and treatment of yellow eye (X̄=1.96 +1.57) were the major areas of utilisation either as food/recipe or medicinal pattern. Inadequate infrastructural facility (X̄=2.45) was considered as the main constraint to the utilisation of the cocoyam It is therefore concluded that cocoyam is mainly consumed directly in the study area despite respondents’ awareness and perception on the cocoyam value. The study thus recommends that farmers should be trained by extension institutions on the utilisation of the crop for other economic benefits.