The future of Africa’s food security lies beneath the soil — in the roots and tubers that have nourished generations but are now being rediscovered. Seeds of Gold writer Francis Mureithi spoke to Dr Joyce Maru, the Regional Director for Africa at the International Potato Centre (CIP), who explains how crops like cassava, potato, sweet potato, and yam are transforming African farming systems.
What inspired you to focus your research on root and tuber crops as a key solution to Africa's climate challenges?
My research focus on root and tuber crops (RTCs) stems from the belief that building climate resilience in Africa begins with empowering farmers — especially from marginalised communities — to grow crops that can withstand the uncertainties of climate change while improving nutrition and livelihoods. Root and tuber crops are more than just food; they are a pathway to sustainable, inclusive, and climate-smart agrifood systems.
You've described root and tuber crops as “climate-smart.” What exactly makes them so resilient compared to other staples like maize or wheat?
Root and tuber crops — like orange-fleshed sweet potato, potato, and cassava — are naturally adaptable and resilient. They contribute more than 40 per cent of Africa’s food supply, and in some regions, over 60 per cent. They tolerate erratic rainfall, require less water, and mature faster — usually within 12–14 weeks — whereas other staples like maize or wheat struggle under the same conditions. They also thrive in mixed-cropping systems, helping farmers diversify and secure their harvests even in tough seasons.
In practical terms, how do these crops help farmers adapt to or even mitigate the effects of climate change?
When the rains fail, a farmer can still harvest sweet potatoes or cassava. Their short growing cycles mean that even with delayed rains, they reach maturity. Projections show that under worsening climate and global crises, RTCs will become even more critical to Africa’s food and nutrition security. That’s why policymakers and investors are increasingly turning their attention to them — not just as emergency crops, but as cornerstones of resilient food systems.
Dr Joyce Maru, the regional director for Africa at the International Potato Center (CIP).
Photo credit: Francis Mureithi | Nation
From your research, which specific crops — cassava, sweet potato, yam, or others — are showing the greatest promise in different African regions?
It depends on the agro-ecological zones and food cultures. Cassava and yams dominate in West Africa, where they are staple foods. Potatoes and sweet potatoes are more prominent in East and Southern Africa, including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Malawi. Each crop fits its local environment and culture, which is why region-specific promotion works best.
Can you share a success story where introducing these crops changed lives in communities facing drought?
Yes. In Kenya, Ethiopia, and Rwanda, the International Potato Centre (CIP) and national partners have scaled up biofortified sweet potato varieties through participatory breeding and seed multiplication programs. These improved varieties have boosted yields, nutrition, and resilience against drought and disease. Families who once faced chronic hunger now enjoy both food security and better health — especially children, thanks to the high vitamin A content in orange-fleshed sweet potato.
You work closely with both scientists and farmers. How do you bridge the gap between research and actual farming practices?
By putting farmers at the centre of innovation. We use participatory approaches to ensure that farmers inform the research priorities. We also partner with extension services, private seed producers, and local organisations to reach the “last mile.” At the same time, we simplify scientific findings into formats policymakers and farmers can understand and apply—because good research only matters when it changes lives.
You've emphasised the need for supportive policies. What government or private sector interventions are most urgent?
We need governments to recognise root and tuber crops as central to food and nutrition security — not as secondary crops. That means reforming agricultural policies to include RTCs in climate-resilient strategies, investing in research, seed systems, and value chains, and supporting private sector involvement to commercialise production and processing. Without targeted investments, the potential of RTCs will remain untapped.
Many smallholder farmers grow cassava or yams, but still struggle with post-harvest losses and poor prices. How can these be addressed?
Post-harvest losses are high because value chains remain fragmented. At CIP, we work to strengthen the entire chain — from seed to market — by combining science, technology, and market development. That includes developing improved storage methods, training farmers on processing, and linking them to markets to ensure better prices. Adding value — through products like flour, chips, or puree — helps reduce waste and boosts income.
Take sweet potato puree, for example. It’s now widely used in the commercial bakery sector across countries like Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana, and South Africa. This innovation has sparked a wave of “sweet potato bread” and buns, which are not only nutritious but also profitable. In Kenya alone, annual sales from sweet potato–based bakery products exceed $1 million, creating jobs and new markets while reducing food waste.
Women and youth are the backbone of agriculture — and the future of RTCs. By investing in women processors and youth entrepreneurs, and connecting them to finance and markets, these crops can become engines of employment and empowerment. CIP supports capacity building and entrepreneurship programs targeting women-led cooperatives and youth innovators across Africa.
Some challenges include a lack of certified seeds and cold storage, high post-harvest losses due to perishability, limited research and policy attention and weak value chains.
Some fear that improved varieties could erode traditional species or food cultures. How do you balance innovation and heritage?
We believe innovation and tradition can coexist. Farmers are our co-creators. When developing new varieties, we ensure they retain key local traits — like taste, texture, and cooking qualities — while enhancing resilience and yield. In this way, we preserve the cultural essence of traditional crops while future-proofing them against climate threats.
Technology is transforming farming everywhere. How is digital innovation helping farmers grow cassava or sweet potato?
Apps like Viazi Soko in Kenya give farmers real-time market data, connect them to buyers, and provide agronomic tips. We also use remote sensing and data analytics to monitor crop performance, while e-extension platforms share best practices. Technology empowers smallholders to make better decisions, boost productivity, and reduce losses.
Africa is vast and diverse. How can countries work together to harness the full potential of these crops?
Countries can harmonise seed certification systems, improve intra-African trade corridors, and include RTCs in national and continental food security agendas. By sharing knowledge, technologies, and genetic resources, Africa can unlock the full potential of root and tuber crops as drivers of food sovereignty and climate resilience.
