By Kelvin Allan
They have high productivity compared to other staple food crops like maize. The current average yield for sweet potato in Western Kenya is 7t/ha.
Kenya is one of the largest, sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) producers in sub–Saharan Africa with an output of approximately 650,
Reasons/ Importance of sweet potato cultivation
Sweet potatoes have a short maturity period of approximately 3-5 months. They are productive even in poor soils and in dry conditions and can withstand stresses and only prone to a few pests and diseases. They have high productivity compared to other staple food crops like maize. The current average yield for sweet potato in Western Kenya is 7t/ha. With increasing research on improved varieties, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization.
Sweet potatoes can be grown in a wide range of environments with minimal inputs. Unlike cereal crops, which must be
harvested at the same time, sweet potatoes offer flexibility. They can be harvested piecemeal or stored unharvested in the
ground after reaching maturity. They provide many benefits including fodder for animals.
Farmers can benefit from the increasing demand for value-added sweet potato products by engaging in value addition.
This process allows them to create higher- value goods, such as sweet potato flour, which can be used to produce confectionery items and other baked products.
Sweet potato farmers can explore various business opportunities, including vine multiplication, selling fresh tubers, and
creating value-added meals and consumable products from the tubers to sell at a higher price.
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