Yam Central- Tips for the Subsistence Farmer

An entire page devoted to the expansion of Yam education! Operated by Zachary McMullan, a 2nd year student at the University of Guelph.

[Yam Central- Tips for the Subsistence Farmer @YamCentral101]

Have a YAM-tastic day! See what I did there....

[Yam Central- Tips for the Subsistence Farmer @YamCentral101]

Remember: when planning your own value addition, ensure to account for the limited labor force, and lack of modern technologies common on subsistence farms. The process is one that must also be quick, to avoid issues with preservation.

[Yam Central- Tips for the Subsistence Farmer @YamCentral101]

This campaign is one that promotes involvement! If struck with your own brilliant idea on the expansion of Yam agriculture and the potential creation of new value additions, feel free to share below!

[Yam Central- Tips for the Subsistence Farmer @YamCentral101]

Essentially, the more simple the methods of production and distribution, the more likely it is for a value addition to have a positive impact on subsistence farmers.

[Yam Central- Tips for the Subsistence Farmer @YamCentral101]

The majority of subsistence farmers lack access to modern agricultural technologies. For this reason, simplicity is a key aspect for the development of the Yam chip, Yam flour and other potential Yam value additions.

[Yam Central- Tips for the Subsistence Farmer @YamCentral101]

Have some pride in your crop production! #YamCulture

[Yam Central- Tips for the Subsistence Farmer @YamCentral101]

Once sliced and milled, the distribution and storage of Yam flour would be much easier as the product could be stored in any jar or bag, and transported in mass quantities.

[Yam Central- Tips for the Subsistence Farmer @YamCentral101]

Greater acceptance of these value additions can also help to counter-act the issue of preservation, as theoretically the goods could move more quickly. Get the word out! Expand on your Yams!

[Yam Central- Tips for the Subsistence Farmer @YamCentral101]

The pre-established popularity of "Amala" in developing countries (Akissoé, 2003), would make the increased production of Yam flour acceptable in local markets as it is an essential ingredient.

[Yam Central- Tips for the Subsistence Farmer @YamCentral101]

The key in the creation of Yam flour is that the Yams are dried before they are milled- this is due to a very high moisture content (Akissoé, 2003). Although it increases the required labor for a farmer it also ensures the quality of a good product.

[Yam Central- Tips for the Subsistence Farmer @YamCentral101]

The first step in the production of Yam flour is similar to that of the chips, in which the crop is to be sliced into thin layers. This make the entire process easier if a farmer plans to produce both products.

[Yam Central- Tips for the Subsistence Farmer @YamCentral101]

Another useful value addition can be seen in the production of Yam Flour! This continues to diversify the use of the Yam while creating a very simple product with a wide range of uses. Feeling sour? :( Mash up some Yam flour! :)

[Yam Central- Tips for the Subsistence Farmer @YamCentral101]

“Yam preservation is extremely challenging (Verter, 2014).”. This quotation is an example of why diversification of Yam value additions is so essential. As the product can be so difficult to preserve, it is important to maximize and expand upon utility to move goods quickly.

[Yam Central- Tips for the Subsistence Farmer @YamCentral101]

Is it just me or is this sweet potato lacking some serious style? #YamCulture #YamJammin #WeAreNotSweetPotatoes

[Yam Central- Tips for the Subsistence Farmer @YamCentral101]

Questioning the importance of the Yam in your local economy? Well here is a fun fact: “The largest proportion of yam production is from subsistence farmers (Rubatzky & Yamaguchi, 2012).”. #YamCulture

[Yam Central- Tips for the Subsistence Farmer @YamCentral101]

To maximize efficiency the Yam slices could be bagged or stored raw by the farmer and then transferred to the local market or packaged for official distribution. This saves time and labor costs, essential attributes for all subsistence farmers, am I right?

[Yam Central- Tips for the Subsistence Farmer @YamCentral101]

Production of Yam chips would be rather simple. The crop would need to be sliced into rather thin layers using any common sharp object or blade at their disposal. The chips can then be baked by a farmer on site, over a common fire, but this increases the amount of required labor.

[Yam Central- Tips for the Subsistence Farmer @YamCentral101]

Hey Farmers! Looking to utilize your yield more effectively? Try producing Yam Chips. This post-harvest value addition follows the global snack food trend and could diversify your local market.

[Yam Central- Tips for the Subsistence Farmer @YamCentral101]

Check out this piece on my favorite face in the Hip-Hop game- ASAP Yams!
https://t.co/OU7xW3CeXm
#YamCulture

[Yam Central- Tips for the Subsistence Farmer @YamCentral101]

Maximize your production! Always remember to #FertalizeIntercropandOvercome