Northern Burkina Faso, was once a region where yams "yùyà" were highly produced. Nowadays this culture is endangered. However, some varietal groups are still grown in this part of the country without a precise knowledge of its culture area. "Nyù " also called " yams of Passoré " is one of this group. The present study was initiated to know the growing areas of these yams, and the uses made of them. A survey conducted in 13 villages in the province Passoré has shown that "yùyà" play several roles in both foods, medicines and also socio-economic important. The current growing areas of "yùyà" span five departments of the province (Arbollé, Kirsi, Bokin, Gomponsom, Yako). Producers distinguish cultivars of the "yùyà" on the basis of phenotypic characteristics such as length, shape and color of fresh tubers and the existence of a bloom. Soil fertilization is done by the use of organic manure, but also by chemical fertilizer in small proportions.

yam, farmer characterization, yùyà, Passoré, Burkina Faso.