The International Potato Centre (CIP) has rolled out an awareness campaign in Lilongwe under the Root Tuber Crops Market Project, encouraging households and traders to embrace cassava, Irish potatoes, and sweet potatoes as staple foods alongside maize.

Speaking during the campaign, Fransis Kuweruza, Senior Research Assistant at CIP, said the initiative highlights the nutritional and economic benefits of root tuber crops.

“The campaign seeks to raise awareness about crops like cassava, sweet potatoes, and Irish potatoes, which thrive in all ecological zones, withstand climate change, and provide essential nutrients such as vitamin A, especially from sweet potatoes,” Kuweruza explained.

At Nsungwi Market, Chimwemwe Phiri, Chairperson of the market, expressed optimism about the adoption of tuber crops.

“The people are ready to adopt this new knowledge and depend on cassava, sweet potatoes, and Irish potatoes,” Phiri said.

At Wakawaka Market, traders shared their personal success stories. Maria Walasi, who sells sweet potatoes, praised her fellow businesspeople for venturing into tuber crops.

“I have been able to support my family since I started selling these crops, including paying school fees for my children. Do not despise sweet potatoes, they are just as important as nsima,” she said.

Similarly, Gilbert Chidya, a businessman dealing in Irish potatoes, described how he transitioned from maize trading.

“I used to be an agro-dealer of maize, but after learning about the profitability of Irish potatoes, I switched. Now I can order 40 to 50 bags at a time, which is a great improvement,” he shared.

Closing the event, a Lilongwe District Council representative emphasized the accessibility and business opportunities provided by tuber crops.

“These crops do not require fertilizer, unlike maize, making them affordable for everyone. Additionally, flour from cassava, sweet potatoes, and Irish potatoes can be used to make other foods, opening up more business opportunities.”

The four-year Root Tuber Crops Market Project, funded by the Embassy of Ireland, seeks to strengthen root tuber value chains to improve food and nutrition security, increase household incomes, and create job opportunities.

By Roselyn Ndiwo Banda