Analysis of the Value Chains for Root and Tuber Crops in Malawi: The Case of Sweet Potato

DOWNLOAD

August 28, 2018 - Joseph S. Kanyamuka, Flora J. Nankhuni and Joseph K. Dzanja

Joseph S. Kanyamuka, Flora J. Nankhuni and Joseph K. Dzanja, 2018. Analysis of the Value Chains for Root and Tuber Crops in Malawi: The Case of Sweet Potatoes. Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Food Security Policy Research Brief 66. East Lansing: Michigan State University


KEY FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
• Sweet potato yields have increased over the past decade partly due to introduction of improved high yielding varieties but yields still fall short of the potential.
• Some of the factors constraining productivity growth include over-recycling of seed among farmers and poor agronomic practices due to limited extension services.
• The release of Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) varieties have contributed to decline in Vitamin A deficiency in Malawi, contributing to improved nutrition status.
• Demand for sweet potato and associated products is increasing partly due to increased urbanization and vulnerability of maize to climate change impacts.
• To improve Malawi’s sweet potato value chain, the following recommendations are made: significant investments in seed systems, irrigation, post-harvest, value addition and agro-processing technologies in response to identified market and industry needs; investments in research and extension on improved varieties, good agronomic practices, and pest and diseases prevention and control; and investments to link farmers, farmer organizations and processors through contract farming arrangements and scaling up of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) varieties to maintain sufficient Vitamin A intake.

DOWNLOAD FILE

Authors

You Might Also Be Interested In

Accessibility Questions:

For questions about accessibility and/or if you need additional accommodations for a specific document, please send an email to ANR Communications & Marketing at anrcommunications@anr.msu.edu.

Tag List
  • c4a,
  • food security group,
  • fsg policy brief,
  • fsp policy brief,
  • innovation lab for food security policy,
  • malawi,
  • sweet potato,
  • value chain analysis
  • follow us on linkedin
Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).