seed supply

Seed Systems Research Abstracts from the Biotechnology, Breeding and Seed Systems Conference

Evaluation of selected beta-carotene rich sweet potato varieties for improving vitamin A nutrition in Iganga and Kamuli districts of Uganda

J.M. Ssebuliba, J.H. Muyonga & W. Ekere

Reducing micro nutrient malnutrition can contribute significantly to improvements in health, productivity and well-being for women and children. For example improving vitamin A intake can reduce infant mortality and reduce the severity of illnesses. Food production and nutrition education are some of the strategies that have been developed to reduce vitamin A deficiency. This project attempts to address the above issues through a two-year research program implemented in two districts of eastern Uganda. The project is being conducted with twenty womens’ groups in Iganga and Kamuli Districts of Uganda. The goal is to improve vitamin A status among women and young children through increased production and utilisation of beta-carotene rich sweetpotato varieties. On-farm agronomic performance, acceptability and beta-carotene content of four orange-fleshed (SPK004, Sowola 6, Kala and Ejumula) sweetpotato cultivars will be determined and compared to the farmer's best local cultivars. Results of a baseline study in Iganga and Kamuli Districts indicate that sweetpotato is planted twice a year as one of the principal crops. It is a staple food, harvested piece-meal. There were no orange fleshed sweetpotato varieties being grown by farmers in the two districts. Farmers prefer early-maturing, high yielding, soft-fleshed sweetpotato varieties with large tubers. The varieties should also be of good taste and resistant to drought. Other vitamin A-rich foods, which include fish, meat, eggs, milk, carrots, green vegetables are expensive and not consumed on a regular basis. Mangoes are a cheap source of vitamin A in the two districts but their availability is highly seasonal. These preliminary results indicate that orange-fleshed sweet potato varieties have great potential for improving vitamin A nutrition in the two districts.