Progress toward impact at scale of orange‐fleshed sweetpotato in Ghana

• Published in: Crop science Vol. 64; no. 3; pp. 1525 - 1541
• Main Authors: Abidin, Putri E., Dorgbetor, Isaac K., Adofo, Kwadwo, Acheremu, Kwabena, Adjebeng‐Danquah, Joseph, Conduah, Isaac, Ebregt, Marjolein, Adekambi, Souleimane A., Carey, Edward E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.05.2024
• ISSN: 0011-183X; 1435-0653
• DOI: 10.1002/csc2.21269

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) was known as a minor root crop in Ghana. Starting in 2010, the International Potato Center (CIP) and multiple partners implemented orange‐fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) projects to reposition this crop in Ghana. CIP‐led projects from 2010 to 2021 were identified as Research for Development Initiative projects. These projects consisted of (i) new variety development and commercial seed systems (Sweetpotato Action for Security and Health in Africa: 2009–2019); (ii) OFSP products for business development, breeding‐seed system linkages, strategic awareness for demand creation, sensitization, capacity building, advocacy, and strengthen public‐private partnerships (Jumpstarting OFSP: 2014–2017); (iii) research on shelf‐life and appropriate storage practices (two U.S. Agency for International Development's Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance: 2013–2015 and 2017–2018); and (iv) innovative on‐farm variety testing using the ClimMob‐CitizenScience method (Triadic Comparison of Technologies– roots, tubers, and bananas scaling: 2020–2021). In November 2020, CIP withdrew from Ghana, and the scaling partner, the Reputed Agriculture 4 Development Foundation, led this project up to the end. Strengthened partnerships have driven the expansion of OFSP into value chains. Key partners driving changes were private sector producers and processors, small‐holder farmers, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research institutes, universities, Women in Agricultural Development, Government Extension, Ghana Health Service, and Ghana School Feeding Program. AGRA OFSP for scaling in Ghana (2021–2022) revealed OFSP notably contributed to food security, health, and wealth. It fits in the Food System and contributes to Food Justice in Ghana. Future scaling will depend on consistent policies and efforts to respond to challenges and opportunities along the value chain for sustainability. Impact pathways of theories of change and scaling helped us understand the scaling progress of OFSP in Ghana. Core Ideas A series of International Potato Center (CIP)‐led projects in Ghana from 2010 to 2021 led to significant scaling of orange‐fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP). Independent, joint program partners were essential for accelerating the process of scaling. Using theories of change and scaling approaches was useful for guiding and tracking progress. Policy support for OFSP must continue to ensure continued scaling in the livelihood system. OFSP can increasingly contribute to Food Justice in Ghana.