DRC sweetpotato sector sees growth as orange-fleshed varieties gain popularity

DRC – Farmers in South Kivu and North Kivu are increasingly turning to orange-fleshed sweetpotato as demand rises in urban markets and nutrition programs expand.

Its resilience to erratic rainfall and low input requirements has kept it at the heart of local farming systems.

Farmers cultivate both local and improved varieties, including the orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP), which has been gaining attention for its nutritional benefits. The crop grows across large areas, though yields vary depending on planting methods and available material. Traditional vine planting at the onset of rains remains the main approach.

“Sweetpotato remains the main crop for food security in Congolese households. They are used in nutrition to help reduce malnutrition. They have a significant impact on farmers’ incomes because they are grown and harvested throughout the seasons in the Eastern DRC. Precisely, the crop is a source of life congruent to its local name ‘cilera bana’, which means protector or lullaby of children in the Mashi language,” said Mr Elois CINYABUGUMA, Director of Research at INERA-Mulungu.

OFSP varieties are being introduced through demonstration plots, vine multiplication, and farmer training programs. These efforts aim to improve access to nutritious crops while supporting farmers’ livelihoods. Early maturity and climate resilience make sweetpotato a reliable choice for household food reserves, even during seasonal shortages.

Growing market and processing potential

Orange-fleshed sweetpotato is gaining traction beyond home gardens. Its high beta-carotene content addresses vitamin A deficiencies, and processors are exploring its use in flour, puree, and chips. Urban markets in Bukavu and Goma show rising demand, with small bakeries and food processors testing OFSP in bread, mandazi, cakes, and cookies.

Partnerships between research institutes and farmer groups are strengthening seed systems, testing agronomic practices, and distributing planting material. These initiatives support the scaling of OFSP adoption while increasing opportunities for value-added products in urban areas.

Work in eastern DRC aligns with broader efforts to stabilize food supply across the Great Lakes region. Nutrition-sensitive production, improved sweetpotato varieties, and training for smallholder farmers are key strategies in these programs.

Recent developments also focus on expanding OFSP-based products to wider markets, with local processors investing in trials for commercial production and testing the integration of OFSP flour into various baked goods.

Farmers and processors alike are observing that increasing urban demand could further strengthen the sweetpotato sector while helping address malnutrition and support local incomes.

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