Sweet potato: a versatile solution for nutritional challenges in Ethiopia

Abstract

Sweetpotato (<italic>Ipomoea batatas</italic> L.) holds significant promise in addressing economic challenges and malnutrition issues. However, various factors in Ethiopia impede its production and consumption. This review investigates sweetpotato potential as a versatile solution for nutritional challenges in Ethiopia. Although the global yield of sweetpotato reaches 14 tons/ha, in Ethiopia, it stands at approximately 8.1 tons/ha. In Africa, sweetpotato is known as the "poor person’s crop" and is primarily grown on a small scale by women for subsistence. Sweetpotatoes are rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins C and E, B vitamins, iron, zinc, potassium, and fiber. Additionally, in Ethiopia, sweetpotato leaves are utilized as food, animal feed, and traditional medicine. Notably, they contain high levels of lutein (ranging from 38-51 mg/100 g), surpassing those found in kale (38 mg/100 g) and spinach (12 mg/100 g). Leaves encompass protein (25%−37%), carbohydrate (42%−61%), crude fat (2%−5%), fiber (23%−38%), ascorbic acid (60−200 mg/100 g), and carotene (60−120 mg/100g). Malnutrition is continued as a major hurdle for millions of Ethiopians. Currently, stunting, wasting, and Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) stand as the primary factors contributing to premature mortality in Ethiopia. Despite the country's considerable potential for sweet potato cultivation and utilization, both yields and consumption remain remarkably low. Lack of clean planting materials, pests and disease, knowledge gap, and poor market system are the key challenges of sweetpotato production in Ethiopia. Hence, to ease the malnutrition problems in Ethiopia, sweetpotato production and utilization should be adept in a broader range.