Researchers call for specialised funding for potato, sweet potato value chains
This investment, they argue, would ensure adequate production and supply during periods of food scarcity.
(L-R) Dr. Yona Baguma, Director General National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) handing over a prize to Minister Frank Tumwebaze as FAO Country Representative in Uganda Yergalem Taages Beraki looks on. This was during the 13th African Potato Association Conference opening at Speke Resort Munyonyo on Monday 25, May 2025. (Photos by Colleb Mugume)
By Prossy Nandudu
Journalists @New Vision
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With the increasing impact of climate change on food crop production, scientists have called on the government to invest in research to boost the production of potato and sweet potato.
These crops mature early and can withstand extreme weather, including drought.
This investment, they argue, would ensure adequate production and supply during periods of food scarcity.
The call was made by Dr Joyce Meru, representing the director general of the International Potato Centre (CIP), while officiating at the opening of the five-day Africa Potato Conference at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
How potatoes are addressing Africa's health, climate change challenges
According to Meru, sweet potatoes—especially the orange-fleshed varieties—are among the world’s richest sources of Vitamin A, which is critical for children’s health and development.
Some of the potato varieties showcased at the conference. 
Economically, the crop supports the livelihoods of over 50,000 people across the value chain, including seed aggregators, farmers, and processors.
“As a solution to climate change,” she explained, “sweet potatoes grow quickly, require less water than cereals, can survive in degraded soils during drought, and also mature early.”
Beyond Uganda, Meru called for further investment in potato and sweet potato production across Africa.
She urged support for research focused on genetic innovations and breeding for climate resilience, as well as ensuring the availability of quality seeds and a ready market for the resulting products.
However, for funding and investment to be directed toward research in these crops, Meru stressed the importance of innovations and partnerships with key stakeholders, including the private sector, policymakers, and development partners.
She made these remarks at the ongoing 13th African Potato Association Conference, organised by the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), the International Potato Centre, and other partners. The five-day conference is being held under the theme:
Need for partnerships
On the issue of partnerships, Marcus Prior, a representative of the World Food Programme (WFP) in Uganda, said that working alongside the National Agricultural Research Organisation, they are investing in scaling up research technologies in the potato value chains in the Karamoja sub-region.
This scale-up includes the introduction and establishment of seed multiplication centres in Nakapiripirit, Moroto, Kotido, Abim, and Karenga districts. So far, these districts have received 250 bags of clean planting materials.
Some of the sweet potato varieties showcased at the conference. 
Additionally, 110 extension workers have been trained, school agricultural clubs developed, and 8,440 farmers, particularly women, have been trained in Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) production, post-harvest handling, and utilisation.
At the same event, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) country representative, Yergalem Taagaes Beraki, noted that through partnerships with Ugandan researchers, they are training farmers on how to adopt climate-smart, and nutrition-sensitive practices.
Across Africa, potatoes and sweet potatoes have shown significant potential to improve household food security, generate income, and offer climate-resilient alternatives to traditional staples.
FAO, Beraki added, is proud to work alongside governments, researchers, and farmers to strengthen seed systems, scale up agroecological solutions, and enhance inclusive value chains—ensuring that no one is left behind.
Why scientists are not getting adequate funding
In response to the call for more investment, the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Frank Tumwebaze, advised crop scientists to better package and present their research needs to specific policymakers in order to secure financial support.
Tumwebaze, who officiated as chief guest at the 13th African Potato Association Conference, said many scientists carry out cutting-edge research but do not share their findings widely, especially with those in decision-making roles.
This, he added, has resulted in fewer partnerships and limited investment in their work.
“Sharing information with us, key policymakers has been a problem. Scientists don’t pass on their work to policymakers or legislators on the relevant committees in Parliament that handle climate change. At the end of this conference, let us agree to take our findings to the right legislators and policymakers for action,” he said.