RESUMO
Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] is a nutrient-rich economically important vegetable crop grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Okra is one of the horticultural mandate crops of the National Horticultural Research (NIHORT), Ibadan, Nigeria. It is an under-studied crop in terms of genetic improvement in Nigeria. In response to farmers' demand for improved varieties, the institute commenced efforts in developing novel okra varieties. However, a successful and sustainable crop improvement program depends on the identification of market-driven demands and the availability of variation in the crop germplasm. In view of the above, this research began with an appraisal study to assess the current situation of okra production and to identify farmers' preferred traits for establishing breeding priorities. According to the results of the participatory rural appraisal, some of the important constraints affecting okra productivity are lack of improved varieties, diseases, pests, and drought. The quest to assess variability in the collected okra accessions and select superior varieties with farmers' preferred traits, fifty (50) okra accessions were evaluated in the field for 3 consecutive years (2019-2021) using a 5 × 10 α-lattice incomplete block design with three replications. The ANOVA revealed high significant variation (p < 0.001) in the number of days to first flower, pod length, and pod girth. The variability observed among the accessions will be useful in the selection of potential parents required for hybridization and generation of progenies with desirable traits for farmers.
RESUMO
Plantain is a key staple food in Central and West Africa, but there is limited understanding of its market in Africa. In addition, the cooking methods for enhancing the nutritional value, consumer preference, and willingness to pay for plantain and plantain-based products are not well understood. The knowledge gaps in the market and consumer dimension of the food chain need to be known to increase plantain utilization and guide breeding efforts. This research contributes by examining the cooking methods, consumer preference, and willingness to pay for plantain and plantain-based products in Cameroon and Nigeria. A household survey sample of 454 Cameroonian consumers in four divisions of Central Region and 418 Nigerian consumers in seven government areas of Oyo State in southwest Nigeria was the basis for the analysis. The results showed some levels of similarity and difference in the consumption and cooking of boiled, roasted, and fried plantain in both countries. The trend in consumption of all plantain-based products was constant in Cameroon but increased in Nigeria. The most important factor influencing Cameroonian consumers' choice of plantain and its products was taste, while the nutrition trait influenced Nigerian consumers. Both Cameroonian and Nigerian consumers considered packaging, location of produce, and size and quantity as the least important factors. In addition, socioeconomic characteristics were significant determinants of consumers' choices to consume plantain and its products. Gender significantly influenced (p < 0.05) taste, while nutrition was significantly driven (p < 0.05) by education and annual income. Household size played a significant role (p < 0.05) in consumers' choices when the price was considered. These findings serve as a guideline to improve existing products to match the needs of consumers in each country and develop products for different consumer segments and potentially increase production.
