the yam is very important to the igbo as the staple crop. it is known for its resiliency (a yam can remain fully edible for six months without refrigeration), but it can also be very versatile in terms of its incorporation into different dishes. yams can be fried, roasted, boiled, or made into a potage with tomatoes and herbs. the cultivation of yams is most commonly carried out by men, as women tend to focus on other crops.