Simple but Effective Sand Storage Technology for Assuring More Food and Timely Planting Material in Drought-Prone Areas of SubSaharan Africa

OFSP can significantly contribute to the fight against VAD in SubSaharan Africa. Erratic rainfalls, poor soil fertility, virus diseases, weevil incidence, and animal destruction are often experienced by OFSP
farmers in drought-prone areas, disrupting crop production. There is a need for suitable “seed” systems that assure planting material access when farmers need to plant, to maximize yields. Farmers can also benefit from improved storage systems for table stocks, ideally up to the next harvest season. Between 2011 and 2018, studies were conducted in Northern Malawi and Ghana on a technique using sand to store fresh sweetpotato roots. Various types of sand, and some indigenous storage techniques were investigated. After storing for 4-6 months (depending on the location), the sprouted roots could be planted to produce vines for planting and unsprouted roots consumed or sold. Using the sand storage technique, vine producers generated income from vine sales and farmers had improved food security during hunger periods. They could sell roots to buy other food items or household needs. The technology provided producers with the flexibility to maintain and produce vines on demand, not restricted to the onset of the rains. Farmers realized market prices 100-300% higher for their stored roots compared to the peak harvest season, when prices are low due to glut. In conclusion, sand
storage effectively helps reduce poverty, improve food and nutrition security and mitigate the effects of climate change.