By~Emmanuel chinedu.C
The Niu Yam is a staple food crop in the remote Long Linbul Village in North Ambrym, Vanuatu. This island is home to an agricultural community that relies heavily on the Niu Yam for their sustenance and livelihood. Every year, the Niu Yam harvest is celebrated with a feast that marks the end of the planting season and the beginning of a new cycle. The Niu Yam is not just a source of food but also a symbol of the richness and diversity of Vanuatu’s agriculture.
In West Africa, yams are a similarly important crop, and they are widely grown in Mbagbem, Benue State, Nigeria. Like the Niu Yam in Vanuatu, the yams of Mbagbem are a staple food and an important source of nutrition and livelihood for the local community. The yams are often boiled or fried and are enjoyed as a main dish, as well as being used in stews, soups, and other traditional dishes.
Despite the differences in location, climate, and culture, both the Niu Yam of Vanuatu and the yams of Mbagbem are rich and diverse crops that play a significant role in the lives of the people who grow and harvest them. The Niu Yam is rich in nutrients, including carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, making it an essential part of the Vanuatu diet. Similarly, the yams of Mbagbem are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, calcium, and iron.
Another factor contributing to the richness of these crops is their diversity. In Long Linbul Village, there are many different varieties of Niu Yam, each with its own unique flavor and texture. This diversity allows the local people to experiment with different recipes and cooking methods, making the Niu Yam a versatile and delicious staple food.
Similarly, in Mbagbem, there are many different varieties of yam, each with its own unique flavor and texture. The yams are grown in a variety of soils, from clay to sand, and are harvested at different times throughout the year, making them a rich and diverse crop.
The Niu Yam harvest in Long Linbul Village, North Ambrym, Vanuatu and the yams of Mbagbem, Benue State, Nigeria are two examples of the richness and diversity of yam crops around the world. Both the Niu Yam and the yams of Mbagnem are essential sources of nutrition and livelihood for the people who grow and harvest them, and they are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and flavor. These crops are a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the people who grow them, and they are a valuable part of the cultural heritage of their communities.
