LES IGNAMES, « YUYA », DE LA PROVINCE DU PASSORE AU BURKINA FASO

Northern Burkina Faso, was once a region where yams " yuya " were highly produced. Nowadays this culture is endangered. However, some varietal groups are still grown in this part of the country without a precise knowledge of its culture area. " Nyu " also called " yams of Passore " is one of this group. The present study was initiated to know the growing areas of these yams, and the uses made of them. A survey conducted in 13 villages in the province Passore has shown that "yuya " play several roles in both foods, medicines and also socio-economic important. The current growing areas of " yuya " span five departments of the province (Arbolle, Kirsi, Bokin, Gomponsom, Yako). Producers distinguish cultivars of the " yuya" on the basis of phenotypic characteristics such as length, shape and color of fresh tubers and the existence of a bloom. Soil fertilization is done by the use of organic manure, but also by chemical fertilizer in small proportions.