Rooting out hunger in

The Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS) targets agriculture as the driver of economic growth and recognize food security as a pre-requisite. The Agriculture Sector Wide Approach programme (ASWAp), a sector strategy to implement the MGDS sets important milestones to increase agricultural productivity, diversification and nutrition. The National Nutrition Policy and Strategic Plan was also developed and outlines key nutrition

priorities in Malawi. This responds to high malnutrition levels, with 46% under-five children stunted and 21% underweight (MICS 2006).

In line with the above policy context, the International Potato Center (CIP), with funding from Irish Aid is implementing potato and sweet potato projects which are aimed at increasing farmers’ food security, diversification and nutrition. The orange fleshed sweet potatoes promoted contain Beta carotene (pro-Vitamin A), carbohydrate (energy), and protein from its leaves. Potatoes are rich in Vitamin C, carbohydrate (energy) and potassium amongst other nutrients.

Strengthened national human and infrastructure capacityImproved potato varieties selectedSeed production technologies promoted Farmers empowered for on-farm seed productionFarmers incomes and nutrition increased

Children feeding on potato in Malawi

Different forms of sweetpotato utilisation in Malawi

RESULTS:KEY

Malawi with early maturing potato and Vitamin A rich sweetpotato

A potato dish for family nutrition in Malawi

STAKEHOLDERS:KEY International Potato Center (CIP)Department of Agricultural Research Services (DARS)Department of Agricultural Extension Services (DAES)

Concern Universal (NGO)Universal Industries LtdIRISH AIDUSAID

Demo P.(CIP), Abidin P.E. (CIP), Chipungu F.(DARS), Mwenye O.(DARS), Botha B.(IA), Lalor L.(IA), and Low W.J. (CIP)Contacts: p.demo@cgiar.org ; p.abidin@cgiar.org

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Government of Malawi

Government of IrelandRialtas na hÉireann