In the heart of sub-Saharan Africa, a humble root crop is gaining traction as a potential game-changer in the fight against vitamin A deficiency. The orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP), with its vibrant hue and nutrient-rich flesh, is not just a food source but a beacon of hope for millions. A recent systematic review, led by Idrissou Ahoudou from the Laboratory of Crop Production, Physiology and Plant Breeding at the University of Abomey-Calavi in Benin, sheds light on the factors influencing the adoption and consumption of OFSP in the region. The study, published in Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, offers a roadmap for integrating this biofortified crop into the local food system, with significant implications for the agricultural and energy sectors.
The review, which analyzed 75 peer-reviewed studies, identified six primary factors that influence the adoption of OFSP: knowledge and awareness, social factors and networks, agronomic traits, taste and sensory attributes, health and nutrition, and market and economics. Ahoudou emphasizes the importance of these factors in shaping the future of OFSP adoption. “Understanding these factors is crucial for developing targeted strategies that can increase OFSP production and commercialization,” he states.
One of the most intriguing findings is the role of social networks in OFSP adoption. Farmers and consumers are more likely to embrace OFSP when they see their peers doing the same. This social influence can be harnessed to create a ripple effect, accelerating the adoption process. Moreover, the review highlights the need for breeding objectives to align with these adoption factors, ensuring that the OFSP varieties developed are not only nutritious but also appealing to local tastes and suitable for local growing conditions.
The commercial implications of this research are vast. As the demand for OFSP grows, so does the opportunity for local farmers to increase their income. This, in turn, can stimulate economic growth and improve food security in the region. Furthermore, the increased production of OFSP can contribute to the energy sector by providing a sustainable source of biofuel. The starch-rich sweetpotato can be used to produce ethanol, a renewable energy source that can reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
However, the journey towards widespread OFSP adoption is not without challenges. The review underscores the need for optimal agronomic practices tailored to local contexts, efficient value chains, and targeted marketing strategies. These elements are crucial for ensuring that OFSP not only reaches the farms but also the tables of those who need it most.
The study also calls for a new research and development roadmap to address the evolving challenges influencing OFSP adoption. This roadmap should focus on stakeholder needs and adoption factors, ensuring that the strategies developed are practical, sustainable, and effective.
As we look to the future, the insights from this review can shape the development of biofortified crops, not just in sub-Saharan Africa but globally. The success of OFSP in combating vitamin A deficiency can serve as a model for other nutrient-rich crops, paving the way for a healthier, more food-secure world. The energy sector, too, stands to benefit from the increased production of OFSP, with the potential for a sustainable, renewable energy source.
In the words of Ahoudou, “The future of OFSP is bright, but it requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders.” With the findings of this review, we are one step closer to realizing that future, one orange-fleshed sweetpotato at a time. The research, published in Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, translates to Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, is a testament to the power of science in addressing real-world challenges. As we continue to explore the potential of OFSP, we are not just investing in a crop; we are investing in the health, wealth, and future of millions.