WHY DOES ARTOCARPUS ALTILIS REMAIN A BACKYARD TREE IN THE REPUBLIC OF BENIN?
In southern Benin, breadfruit is a delight for consumers for its nice taste and texture. Local names indicate that breadfruit is an introduced plant, probably during the colonial period. The local name Blfoutou is a deformation of breadfruit, while Yovotvi literally means the European yam, suggesting it is as good as yam. A survey showed that breadfruit is highly appreciated for its nutritional value and represents a viable alternative to yam. The breadfruit tree still has the status of a volunteer plant, growing in humid zones along streams, almost exclusively in the southeast. Cultivation and use of breadfruit has not received political support. Historically the oil palm, a major plantation crop in Benin, was actively promoted during the 19th century by King Guzo, who required each family to plant a palm every time a child was born. During the colonial period, a research station was created and oil palm was grown in large areas and promoted as an industrial crop. Cassava, a major foo
