Promoting sweetpotato production in arid regions of Mozambique

What is it about?

Vines are the major source of planting material in sweetpotato. Extended dry spells hinder conservation of vines and in turn affect the availability of planting material at the onset of rains in southern Africa. In some cases, improved sweetpotato germplasm has been lost by smallholder farmers in Mozambique due to prolonged dry spells. Small to medium roots provide an opportunity to conserve germplasm and get planting material at the beginning of the rainy season.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Sweetpotato ranks 3rd after maize and cassava in terms of economic importance in Mozambique. However, its more unique in the sense that apart from supplying carbohydrates, OFSP cultivars contain beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. The majority of the farming population suffer from vitamin A deficiency in Mozambique. OFSP cultivars have the capacity to minimize the effects of vitamin A deficiency in the population

Perspectives