During 1982, 30% of the commercial producers of yams (Dioscorea spp) and tannia (Xanthosoma spp.) in the Herrera province of Panamá were surveyed in order to describe their farming systems, agroecosystems and management practices. Yams are planted without supports, generally associated with maize (Zea mays) or pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) in 82 % of the samples; anthracnosis and weeds are the main problems that limit production. Tannia are less important (16% of the samples). Both products were for the national market.