Zambia Agribusiness Society - ZAS C - Production of Sweet Potatoes as a Commercial Crop in Zimbabwe – Shadreck Gwari

Over the years the production of Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) as a commercial crop in Zimbabwe has been increasing due to its numerous advantages as compared to other root and tuber crops. The crop has minimal input requirements yet yields highly. Sweet potatoes store well and can be a famine reserve crop especially with the increased effects of climate change being currently experienced in Zimbabwe. The water requirements of the crop are minimal compared to cereals, which is the main source of carbohydrates in the local diet.