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

概要

論文の詳細を見る
Stable maize production and increased productivity are important for improvedfood security in Zambia. Because most farmers cultivate maize under rain-fed agriculture, amaize monoculture is vulnerable to drought or excessive rainfall. Therefore, increasing thediversification of crops and crop varieties is important to achieve food security in the face ofa changing climate. The sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) has great potential as a crop forconsumption 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 andconsumption patterns in a rural area in Southern Province, Zambia. Field studies wereconducted at three sites. Farmers in the study area planted sweet potatoes in both the rainyand 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 productionwas much greater at one site. Further study of some households at this site indicated thatsweet potato tubers were consumed about twice per week. Consumption was highest duringand immediately after the harvest, and then decreased gradually. Annual sweet potato salesper person generated sufficient income.
2013-08-31