Exploratory Studies on Production, Utilization and Proximate Composition of Some Minor Root and Tuber Crops in Nigeria

Several exploration trips were made between 2004 and 2006 to collect germplasm of minor root and tuber crops grown in Nigeria. Information collected included local names, locations, production/agronomic practices, utilization and marketing, among others. Samples of materials collected were analyzed for their proximate compositions. A total of 158 collections were made, comprising 76 turmeric, 31 Hausa potato, 29 Livingstone potato and 22 Polynesian arrowroot accessions. Turmeric is cultivated and utilized in 19 states, Hausa potato - 6 states, Livingstone potato - 2 states, while Polynesian arrowroot was collected from 10 states but utilized as food only in five states. The highest number of turmeric collections was obtained in Ekiti state (15.8%). While the highest collections of Hausa potato (32.3%) and Livingstone potato (82.8%) were obtained respectively from Kaduna and Plateau states, 18.2% of Polynesian arrowroot collections were each obtained in Benue and Oyo states. Most of the crops are produced in smallholdings of less than 0.1 ha. Cultivation was mostly by old women except Polynesian arrowroot that was collected in the wild. The carbohydrate content (NFE) of the crops ranges between 60.23-80.40 g/100 g, crude protein (7.58-14.00 g/100 g), total ash (3.01-6.97 g/100 g), calcium (0.27-0.45 g/100 g) and phosphorus (0.27-0.59 g/100 g) all on dry weight basis. These crops play key roles in the food supply system, income generation, improved health and preservation of cultural heritage of the rural household. More research efforts in the areas of crop improvement, production practices, postharvest handling and value chain development were suggested as a way to harness their economic potentials.