Trends and prospects for the potato south of the Sahara
1992
Scott, G.J.
Potato production in Sub-Saharan Africa has increased by nearly 150 since 1961 faster than any other major food crop except yams and rice. Moreover, both African and international potato scientists agree that future increases in productivity are technically possible. This paper reviews present production, marketing, and consumption patterns for potatoes in an effort to identify priority constraints and initiatives to overcome them. Particular attention is paid to the seven countries that produce over 80 of the region's potatoes. The results emphasize the need for renewed efforts to raise productivity using improved quality seed with attention as well to minimum input packages for farmers who use little, is any, chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The potential for postharvest and marketing improvements based on combining traditional practices and modern science supplemented by better access to market information and credit is also noted
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