Sweetpotatoes in Eastern and Central Africa (PRAPACE)

The project aimed at reducing food insecurity, poverty and malnutrition among small-scale farmers in eight districts of central Uganda. This was to be achieved through increased multiplication, distribution, production and consumption of sweetpotato varieties that are not only high yielding and virus resistant but also rich in ß-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A). It was conceived that promoting production, consumption and utilization of such varieties, particularly among children below six years of age and lactating mothers would contribute to alleviating vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in the project area. According to the 2001 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey and the World Health Organization, Vitamin A deficiency is a clinical problem in the country, with incidences of 30 % and 50 % among children and women, respectively. The project’s major objectives were to establish a sustainable, system for multiplication and timely distribution of planting material of improved sweetpotato varieties, enhance capacities of farmers to produce planting material, educate communities about the role of vitamin A, promot