THE ROLE OF THE SWEET POTATO IN THE CROP DIVERSIFICATION OF SMALL-SCALE FARMERS IN SOUTHERN PROVINCE, ZAMBIA

Abstract

Stable maize production and increased productivity are important for improved food security in Zambia. Because most farmers cultivate maize under rain-fed agriculture, a maize monoculture is vulnerable to drought or excessive rainfall. Therefore, increasing the diversification of crops and crop varieties is important to achieve food security in the face of a changing climate. The sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) has great potential as a crop for consumption and as a source of income. The aim of this study was to determine farmers' familiarity with sweet potato varieties and their features, and to clarify production and consumption patterns in a rural area in Southern Province, Zambia. Field studies were conducted at three sites. Farmers in the study area planted sweet potatoes in both the rainy and dry seasons. As a group, farmers were able to identify a total of 22 sweet potato varieties, but all varieties that were identified were not actually cultivated. Sweet potato production was much greater at one site. Further study of some households at this site indicated that sweet potato tubers were consumed about twice per week. Consumption was highest during and immediately after the harvest, and then decreased gradually. Annual sweet potato sales per person generated sufficient income.