Climate-Resilient Root Crop Production (Sweet Potatoes/OFSP)
In response to changing climate patterns and declining soil fertility, ARHICA promotes the cultivation of resilient root crops, particularly Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potatoes (OFSP), as a sustainable and nutrition-sensitive agricultural enterprise. OFSP thrives in diverse agro-ecological conditions, requires relatively low inputs, and offers high yields, making it ideal for youth and smallholder farmers seeking reliable and climate-adaptive livelihoods.
By strengthening production systems, facilitating access to improved planting materials, and supporting value addition, ARHICA aims to build a robust root crop value chain. Strategic linkages with established processors such as Getonganya OFSP Processing Factory will enhance market access, aggregation, and commercialization opportunities for farmers. Beyond direct consumption, OFSP offers versatile uses in flour production, providing a viable alternative to imported wheat while improving food and nutrition security through its rich vitamin A content.
Through training, aggregation models, and enterprise development support, ARHICA seeks to scale up production, reduce post-harvest losses, and position root crops as a key driver of rural economic transformation.
Key Focus Areas & Indicators
• Number of youths and farmers trained and engaged in OFSP production
• Acreage under root crop cultivation and adoption of improved varieties
• Volume of OFSP supplied to processors and local markets
• Value addition initiatives (e.g., OFSP flour, baked products)
• Market linkages and partnerships with processing facilities and buyers
• Household nutrition improvement and dietary diversification outcomes
Impact
Enhanced climate resilience among farmers, increased and diversified incomes, improved food and nutrition security, reduced dependency on imported wheat, and strengthened local agro-processing value chains for sustainable community livelihoods.
Employment
Agriculture
Small-scale farmers support
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