Farmers' Utilization and Knowledge of Phaseolus Bean Diversity in Togo, West Africa: implications for its sustainable conservation and promotion

Phaseolus beans play an essential role in the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Africa due to their high nutritional value and contribution to income diversification. However, in Togo, they are increasingly neglected and threatened with extinction. This study aims to promote their sustainable production and conservation by documenting indigenous knowledge related to cropping systems , varietal diversity, and uses. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in all regions of Togo. Producers were identified using the snowball sampling method, supported by the Institute of Advisory and Technical Support (ICAT). In total, 937 producers across 240 villages were interviewed, and 94 local varieties were recorded. The most used differentiation criterion (50% of villages) was based on "Color; Shape; Spots." Local varieties were categorized into round-shaped ("V", 54 varieties) and flattened or kidney-shaped ("L", 40 varieties). Most producers cultivated only one or two varieties (313 men vs. 315 women). Nationally, the most cited varieties were L3 (37.67%), V13 (20.28%), and L13 (18.57%). Production is mainly for family consumption, especially in the Central (90.98%), Kara (86.27%), Maritime (79.09%), West Plateaux (64.71%), and East Plateaux (60.81%) regions, though some are sold. Other plant parts leaves, dry pods are used in traditional medicine, mystical practices, and potash production. The highest ethnobotanical use value (VUET = 2.00) was recorded among the Gangam ethnic group, although no significant difference was found across ethnicities (P = 0.4699). These findings highlight the diversity and sociocultural value of Phaseolus beans in Togo and support their conservation and sustainable use.