Low-Cost Storage of Fresh Sweet Potatoes in Uganda: Lessons from Participatory and On-Station Approaches to Technology Choice and Adaptive Testing

Abstract

Studies were undertaken to identify and test low-cost storage technology for fresh sweet potatoes and subsequently to apply this technology in the northern region of Uganda. In this region the emergence of cassava mosaic disease has made the technology relevant to the rural food system due to the need to extend the availability of sweet potatoes. The studies used a combination of on-station and on-farm trials to test the technical feasibility and social compatibility of low-cost storage technologies. The performance of the storage methods and the process by which technical options were chosen, developed and tested are discussed. It was found that, although the on-station trials provided broad guidelines for technology development, specific requirements needed to be devised in conjunction with farmers. The use of parallel on-station and on-farm trials, although partially contradictory, saved much time and hastened the technology-validation process.