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

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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.

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Tag List
  • c4a,
  • food security group,
  • fsg policy brief,
  • fsp policy brief,
  • innovation lab for food security policy,
  • malawi,
  • sweet potato,
  • value chain analysis
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