| Project Detail |
This project seeks to address the currently underexploited potential of RTC to contribute to food security, nutrition and incomes in Malawi. Further, it works across the potato, sweetpotato and cassava value chains to boost production as well as increase demand by consumers, traders and processors.
Objectives
The overall goal is to enhance the contributions of RTC to food security, nutrition and incomes by:
increasing the productivity, climate resilience and nutritional value of RTC production systems;
increasing the revenues, consumer orientation and nutritional outcomes of RTC value chains; and
promoting effective policies and strengthening capacities for the continued development of RTCs.
Approach
The project was designed as a national research and development program with technical coordination by the International Potato Center (CIP) and broad national stakeholder engagement. One group of activities focuses on increasing the availability of quality planting materials for potato, cassava and pro vitamin A orangefleshed sweetpotato (OFSP). This is being achieved by increasing availability of new and improved varieties that are productive, nutritious and climate resilient; and strengthening seed multiplication and supply systems. Farmers are trained on improved crop management practices, including post-harvest handling.
Activities also focus on demand by promoting nutrition messages to rural and urban households to enhance their use of RTCs for food and nutrition security, and to encourage the sale of excess produce as an additional source of income. As such, the links between farmers, commercial processing enterprises and consumers are strengthened, with improved post-harvest handling, storage and transport contributing to cutting losses and boosting incomes. The third strand of activities focuses on coordinating stakeholders to build policy support and development investment in RTCs. The project supports continued innovation and promotes sustainability through building the capacity of local actors and institutions. |
