RTB Journal Articles
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Item Developing commercial-scale fresh sweetpotato root storage in tropical areas of sub-Saharan Africa(Journal Article, 2025-01-16) Stathers, T.; Otieno, B.; Kipkoech, B.; Rees, D.; Precoppe, M.; Muoki, P.; Low, Jan W.As food systems across sub-Saharan Africa transform and urbanise, demand for all-year-round supplies for the raw materials is increasing. This demand can be met through combinations of staggering crop production, purchasing from diverse geographical areas, and storing produce. Focusing on the increasing use of orange-fleshed sweetpotato root puree in vitamin-A-rich food products, we ran a series of storage trials in Kenya to investigate whether commercial-scale fresh orange-fleshed sweetpotato storage could provide a stable supply of roots for puree production. The trials studied storage of roots of two sweetpotato varieties (Kabode and Vita), using washed versus unwashed roots in wooden crates, and mains grid power versus off-grid solar-powered storerooms for four-months. Following curing at 30 °C, roots were stored at 20–23 °C, and quality assessed. After four months storage, 54–59 % (Kabode) and 63–83 % (Vita) of initial root weight remained suitable for processing into puree. However, weevil and sprouting problems occurred. Vita outperformed Kabode for most criteria. Neither root washing nor different storerooms had a consistent effect on root quality. Subsequent trials in a solar-powered store investigated if lower temperatures of ≤15 °C and 90 % rh, with pre-harvest dehaulming could reduce weevil development, sprouting and rotting in stored roots. While control of sprouting and weevil damage was achieved and dehaulming improved stored root quality, while washing reduced it, high incidence of rotting and root weight loss occurred. Increasing store ventilation did not reduce rotting. We conclude that further trials with well controlled storage environments are required to understand how raw root quality, dehaulming, harvesting and handling practices, curing conditions, air exchange, and packaging materials affect quality during fresh root storage.Item Gender analysis is not only about gender: reshaping the potato breeding priorities to increase varietal adoption in Kenya(Journal Article, 2024-12-06) Friedmann, M.; Polar, Vivian; Mendes, T.Public breeding programs are pushing to implement demand-led breeding to increase variety adoption, while tackling multiple challenges for increased production under climate change. This has included the improvement of variety target product profiles involving multiple stakeholders. A special case involves the unexpected and rapid spread of the Shangi potato variety in Kenya. This variety was not an especially outstanding variety and the levels of its traits did not exceed the expected thresholds defined in the target product profile for table potato in East Africa. By examining the customer segments looking at gender but also social contexts of smallholder and disadvantaged farmers such as access to markets, inputs, and labor, it became apparent that ready availability of potatoes for consumption, processing, or planting was of prime importance. Given the storage and market constraints, Shangi's very short dormancy, which had been assumed to be a negative trait for farmers, women cottage processors and consumers, was actually meeting the needs for available product and planting material. Consequently, this provided these groups increased control over their productive activities. The case study presented here analyzes different components of potato variety change in Kenya. It explores the challenges and tradeoffs faced by public sector breeding programs and how gender analysis from a broader inclusion perspective can uncover the underlying causes of varietal adoption. Focusing on the Shangi potato variety, the case study reveals a series of lessons learned that have re-shaped the definition of breeding priorities.Item Mapping of suitable release areas for the parasitoid Dolichogenidea gelechiidivoris (Marsh) for the classical biocontrol of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) using temperature-dependent phenology models(Preprint, 2024-12) Mujica, N.; Carhuapoma, Pablo; Kroschel, Jürgen; Kreuze, Jan F.The South American tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is a major invasive pest of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) worldwide. Among the different integrated pest management strategies, biological control is most promising. Dolichogenidea gelechiidivoris (Marsh) is a larval endoparasitoid native to the Neotropics, where it is the dominant biological agent of T. absoluta along the Peruvian coast. The determination of the parasitoid’s temperature-dependent development is crucial for better predicting the potential of the parasitoid to establish in new regions and to control the target pest. Therefore, the effect of temperature on the development and reproduction of D. gelechiidivoris was studied at five constant temperatures ranging from 10 to 30°C in its main host T. absoluta. The Insect Life Cycle Modeling (ILCYM) software was used to fit nonlinear equations to collected life table data and to establish an overall phenology model to simulate life table parameters based on temperature. The parasitoid completed its life cycle at constant temperatures from 15 to 30°C; the temperature of 10°C was lethal to pupae. The theoretical lower threshold temperatures for the development of egg-larvae and pupae were 7.6°C and 10.9°C respectively. The egg-larval and pupae stages had the lowest mortality between the temperature range of 20-30°C. The lowest senescence rates for females and males were observed within the temperature range of 10–20°C. Oviposition time decreased significantly with increasing temperature from 16.7 days (10°C) to 1.6 days (35°C). Mean fecundity was highest at 20°C (74.4 eggs/female). Maximum population growth is expected around 24.3°C with a finite rate of increase, λ of 1.1088, which corresponds to a population doubling time of 6.7 days. The highest values for gross reproduction rate (GRR) and net reproduction rate (R0) were found between 20 and 21°C, and the shortest mean generation time (T) was observed at 30°C (19.9 d). Suitable release areas with a very high probability of establishment and potentially good control efficacy of the parasitoid are tropical and subtropical regions (e.g., countries in Southern Europe; Spain, Portugal). The potential use of the parasitoid in the context of classical biological control of T. absoluta is discussed.Item Determinants and effects of adopting improved potato varieties in Malawi(Journal Article, 2024-09) Tsuanyo, F.F.; Otieno, D.J.; Rajendran, S.; Kapalasa, E.; Mwenye, O.; Demo, P.; Parker, M.It is crucial to comprehend the effects of adopting improved potato varieties on farmers’ welfare in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially given the growing demand for food arising from rapid urbanization. This study examines the adoption of improved potato varieties in Malawi and its effects on farmer outcomes, overall welfare and poverty. Data from a multistage sample of 277 smallholder potato growers were analyzed using the probit, endogenous switching regression and economic surplus models. Results showed that years of formal schooling, distance to closest input source, access to credit, number of adopters known by the farmer, confidence in the extension worker’s skills and group membership positively affected the adoption of improved potato varieties. In contrast, the perceived soil fertility level negatively influenced the adoption of the improved varieties. Additionally, results revealed a significant relationship between adoption and yield and a significant negative relationship between adoption and cost of production. Similarly, adopting improved varieties leads to a total surplus between US$ 108 million to US$ 178.7 million. Furthermore, adopting improved varieties could lead to a poverty reduction of 1.61% to 2.7%. The adoption of improved varieties also decreases poverty and boosts overall economic surplus. The study recommends enhanced availability of the improved potato varieties to the public through a decentralized seed production system, seed quality monitoring and traceability. Furthermore, strengthening extension workers’ skills and farmer-to-farmer extension approaches, cooperatives, provision of microcredit, and the promotion of crop rotation and use of organic fertilizers can be implemented to facilitate potato varieties adoption and increase farmers’ yield while reducing their production costs.Item Near infrared spectroscopy models to predict sensory and texture traits of sweetpotato roots(Journal Article, 2024-06-14) Nantongo, J.S.; Serunkuma, E.; Davrieux, F.; Nakitto, M.; Burgos, G.; Thomas, Z.F.; Eduardo, P.; Carey, T.; Swankaert, J.; Mwanga, R.O.M.; Alamu, E.O.; Ssali, R.T.High-throughput phenotyping technologies successfully employed in plant breeding and precision agriculture could facilitate the screening process for developing consumer-preferred traits. The current study evaluated the potential of near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to predict visual, aromatic, flavor, taste and texture traits of sweetpotatoes. The focus was to develop predicting models that would be cost-effective, efficient and high throughput. The roots of 207 sweetpotato genotypes from six agroecological zones of Uganda were collected from breeding trials. The spectra were collected in the wavelengths of 400 – 2500 nm at 2 nm intervals. Using the plsR package, the calibrations were carried out using external validation models. The best calibration equation between the sensory and texture reference values (10-point scales) and spectral data was identified based on the highest coefficient of determination (R2) and smallest RMSE in calibration and validation. Of the visual traits, orange color intensity was well calibrated using NIR spectroscopy (R2val = 0.92, SEP = 0.92), and the model is sufficient for field application. Pumpkin aroma (R2val = 0.67, SEP = 0.33) was the highest predicted among the aromas. The pumpkin flavour model exhibited the highest coefficient of determination in the calibration (R2val = 0.52, SEP = 0.45) for the traits considered under flavor and taste. Different models for textural traits exhibited moderate calibration coefficients: mealiness (chalky/floury) by hand (R2val = 0.75; SEP = 1.31), crumbliness (R2val = 0.73, SEP = 1.21), moisture in mass (R2val = 0.73, SEP = 1.26), fracturability (R2val = 0.60, SEP = 1.52), hardness by hand (R2val = 0.61, SEP = 1.27) and dry matter (R2val = 0.70, SEP = 3.10). The range error ratio (RER) values were mostly >6.0. These models could be used for preliminary screening. The predictability of the traits varied among different modes of samples. Models could be improved with an increased range of reference values and/or exploiting the correlations between chemical compounds and sensory traits.Item What traits of collaboration networks are associated with project success? The case of two CGIAR agricultural research programs for development(Journal Article, 2024-06-15) Plex Sulá, A.I.; De Col, Valentina; Etherton, B.A.; Yanru Xing; Agarwal, A.; Ramić, L.; Bonaiuti, Enrico; Friedmann, M.; Proietti, Claudio; Thiele, Graham; Garrett, Karen A.CONTEXT Understanding research collaboration in diverse scientific communities is key to building global agricultural research systems that support the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Characterizing collaboration patterns can inform decisions to enhance the structure and dynamics of research programs. OBJECTIVE We introduce a new analytic framework for evaluating collaborative research networks based on scientific publications, and an associated conceptual framework for the role of research networks in achieving societal goals. We analyzed two CGIAR Research Programs: Grain Legumes and Dryland Cereals (GLDC) and Roots, Tubers and Bananas (RTB). The analysis provides a multi-dimensional perspective on a set of key questions related to research team composition, research management structures, and performance of scientific publications. METHODS We quantified network structures of research collaborations at the level of authors, institutions, countries, and management structures, including use of temporal exponential random graph models. We used regression models to understand the associations between the characteristics of authors and publications, and the corresponding citation rates and Altmetric Attention Scores. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS We identified key network hubs in the collaboration networks of both CGIAR programs. The proportion of women as authors in publications was less than a third, with a low likelihood of co-authorship between women. Institutional hubs were identified by institutional categories; these were often institutions that are considered CGIAR program “participants”, and a few were “planning partners”. For both GLDC and RTB, the countries that were the focus of most research coincided with the program's priority countries. Most international collaborations occurred between institutions headquartered in Global South countries, but most intercontinental collaborations occurred between Global South and Global North countries. Most institution and author co-authorships occurred in only one year and rarely lasted two or three consecutive years. High diversity in the geographic affiliations of authors, along with highly collaborative teams, as opposed to simply the number of authors, consistently were associated with more citations and higher Altmetric Attention Scores. SIGNIFICANCE These analyses reveal key structures in research collaboration networks in GLDC and RTB research programs, with potential to guide agricultural research systems for sustainable development. Considering these outcomes from past research management can help scientists, program managers, and funders increase the success of new research projects. Specifically, future research management strategies need to fortify existing scientific capacity and development through gender parity and balanced international collaborations, working toward more impactful publications and increased development relevance, while team size increases over time.Item Machine learning methods in near infrared spectroscopy for predicting sensory traits in sweetpotatoes(Journal Article, 2024-04) Nantongo, J.S.; Serunkuma, E.; Burgos, C.; Nakitto, M.; Davrieux, F.; Ssali, R.T.It has been established that near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has the potential of estimating sensory traits given the direct spectral responses that these properties have in the near infrared (NIR) region.In sweetpotato, sensory traits are key for improving acceptability of the crop for food security and nutrition. Studies have statistically modelled the levels of near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy sensory characteristics using Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression methods. To improve prediction accuracy, there are many advanced modelling techniques, particularly, which could be helpful when handling fresh (wet and un-processed) samples or where modelling may involve nonlinear dependence relationships. Performance of different quantitative prediction models for sensory traits developed using different machine learning methods were compared. Overall, results show that linear methods; linear support vector machine (L-SVM), principal component regression (PCR) and PLS performed better than other statistical methods. For all the 27 sensory traits, calibration models using L-SVM and PCR has slightly higher overall R2 (x = 0.33) compared to PLS (x̄ ̅= 0.32) and radial based SVM (NL-SVM; x ̅= 0.30). The levels of orange color intensity were the best predicted by all the calibration models (R2 = 0.87 – 0.89). The elastic net linear regression (ENR) and tree-based methods; extreme gradient boost (XGBoost) and random forest (RF) performed worse than would be expected but could possibly be improved with increased sample size. Lower average R2 were observed for calibration models of ENR (x ̅ = 0.26), XGBOOST (x ̅ = 0.26) and RF (x ̅ = 0.22). The overall RMSE in calibration, models was lower in PCR models (X = 0.82) compared to L-SVM (x= 0.86) and PLS (x= 0.90). ENR, XGboost and RF also had higher RMSE (0.90 -0.92). Effective wavelengths selection using the interval partial least-squares regression (iPLS), improved the robustness of the models but did not perform as good as the PLS. SNV pre-treatment was useful in improving model robustness.Item Farmers' intentions to adopt Triple S for sweetpotato seed conservation(Journal Article, 2024-04-16) Mayanja, S.; Mwende, J.; Kwikiriza, N.; Okello, J.J.; Hareau, G.; Ssekandi, J.In Uganda, farmers in arid and semi-arid areas lack sweetpotato seed after dry spells. This constrains the crop’s potential to contribute to food security. Triple S (sand, storage, sprouting) is a root-based technology addressing seed scarcity. Despite the technology’s efficacy, a systematic assessment of its demand has not been done. A study was undertaken to assess how Knowledge, Attitudes, Norms and Perceptions influence farmers uptake of the Triple S, using a structured questionnaire with 255 farmers stratified into users (n = 132) and non-users (n =123). Sex-disaggregated focus groups were conducted with 40 farmers. The Theory of Planned Behavior and Technology Adoption Model were used to test hypotheses on Triple S adoption. Perceived Behavior Control, Perceived Usefulness and Knowledge positively predicted Behavior Intention (BI) only for non-users, while Attitude, Subjective Norms and Agency predicted BI for users. Gender Norms negatively influenced Agency for both groups. Gender-responsive adoption strategies may enhance technology uptake.Item Analysis of factors influencing market participation among orange-fleshed sweet potato smallholder farmers in southern region of Malawi: A case of RTC project(Journal Article, 2024-04-12) Chikhawo, M.; Katengeza, S.P.; Okello, J.J.; Phiri, M.a.R.; Chipungu, F.Agricultural markets remain major issue downgrading root and tuber crop farmers who form the mainstream of the agricultural producers in Malawi. Recent evidence however reveals that orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) (Ipomea batatas) is currently being sold in produce markets along with the non-orange varieties, sometimes in differentiated form in Malawi. The main objective of this study was to examine factors affecting market participation of sweet potato farmers in southern region of Malawi. Using a double-hurdle model, this paper analyzed both the factors affecting farmer decision to participate and the extent/intensity of participation in market. The first tier of the double hurdle focused on decision to participate in the market using probit model and the second tier addressed factors affecting intensity of participation using truncated normal regression model. The paper used data collected from 360 farmers in southern districts of Malawi. Out of 360, 146 farmers had grown OFSP in the season preceding the survey. Double hurdle results indicate that farm size, output, age of a farmer (household head), and early maturing trait significantly determined decision to participate in the market. Further, results on intensity of participation indicate that access to market training, farm size, asset value, and output positively determined the intensity and negatively determined by distance to main market and gender of a farmer (household head). Based on the research findings, higher output levels and early maturing trait were found to increase smallholder farmer market participation. It is therefore recommended that strategies aimed at increasing household capacity to produce surplus produce through market tailored extension messages and productivity enhancement technologies could be highly effective in fostering smallholders' participation in commercial markets. Again, enhanced capacity building of research institutions to breed sweet potato varieties based on market demand is pivotal for increased market participation. Furthermore, research suggests that improving smallholder farmers' access to market price information, asset value, and farm size can help increase their intensity in the market. Therefore, it is critical for policymakers to holistically comprehend these socioeconomic factors in order to address the issue of smallholder farm households' decisions about market participation and the degree to which they participate.Item Disaster plant pathology: Smart solutions for threats to global plant health from natural and human-driven disasters(Journal Article, 2024-03-04) Etherton, B.A.; Choudhury, R.A.; Alcalá-Briseño, R.I.; Mouafo-Tchinda, R.A.; Sulá, A.I.P.; Choudhary, M.; Adhikari, A.; Lei, S.; Kraisitudomsook, N.; Buritica, J.R.; Cerbaro, V.A.; Ogero, K.; Cox, C.M.; Walsh, S.; Andrade-Piedra, J.L.; Omondi, Bonaventure Aman Oduor; Navarrete, I.; McEwan, M.; Garrett, K.A.Disaster plant pathology addresses how natural and human-driven disasters impact plant diseases, and the requirements for smart management solutions. Local to global drivers of plant disease change in response to disasters, often creating environments more conducive to plant disease. Most disasters have indirect effects on plant health through factors such as disrupted supply chains and damaged infrastructure. There is also the potential for direct effects from disasters, such as pathogen or vector dispersal due to floods, hurricanes, and human migration driven by war. Pulse stressors such as hurricanes and war require rapid responses, while press stressors such as climate change leave more time for management adaptation but may ultimately cause broader challenges. Smart solutions for the effects of disasters can be deployed through digital agriculture and decision support systems supporting disaster preparedness and optimized humanitarian aid across scales. Here we use the disaster plant pathology framework to synthesize the effects of disasters in plant pathology and outline solutions to maintain food security and plant health in catastrophic scenarios. We recommend actions for improving food security before and following disasters, including (1) strengthening regional and global cooperation, (2) capacity building for rapid implementation of new technologies, (3) effective clean seed systems that can act quickly to replace seed lost in disasters, (4) resilient biosecurity infrastructure and risk assessment ready for rapid implementation, and (5) decision support systems that can adapt rapidly to unexpected scenarios.Item Translating Ethiopian potato seed networks: identifying strategic intervention points for managing bacterial wilt and other diseases(Preprint, 2024-02-14) Etherton, B.A.; Sulá, A.I.P.; Mouafo-Tchinda, R.A.; Kakuhenzire, R.; Kassaye, H.A.; Asfaw, F.; Kosmakos, V.S.; McCoy, R.W.; Xing, Y.; Yao, J.; Sharma, K.; Garrett, K.A.Context Informal seed trade can exacerbate crop disease epidemics. Potato production across Ethiopia is threatened by the spread of seedborne pests and pathogens, particularly by bacterial wilt, caused by the Ralstonia solanacearum Species Complex (RSSC). The RSSC is commonly dispersed through informal trade of seed potato, with the potential to move long distances across Ethiopia and among trading countries. Efficient disease testing programs and formal seed systems can reduce the risk of disease expansion in a country’s potato cropping system. Objective In this study, we characterized networks of potato value chain actors. We also identified candidate locations for disease surveillance and management interventions for improved seed systems, and locations at high risk for bacterial wilt establishment. We propose strategies to reduce the spread of bacterial wilt via infected seed. Methods We surveyed seed potato stakeholders to characterize interaction networks of potato value chain actors with a special focus on stakeholders engaged in seed potato quality assurance. We collected data regarding Ethiopia’s potato seed systems and analyzed the risk of spread of RSSC and other pathogens across the country through expert knowledge elicitation. Network metrics were used to characterize the informal seed trade system across Ethiopia, simulating pathogen spread across a network through scenario analyses. We characterized potato exports and imports to identify the risk of bacterial wilt movement through Ethiopia’s formal trading partners and neighboring countries where bacterial wilt has not yet been reported. Results Ware potato farmers and traders were reported to have weak communication with other stakeholders in the potato value chain. In network analyses and simulated epidemics, locations in Agew Awi, Gamo, Gofa, Kembata and Tembaro zones were identified as candidate priorities for national surveillance of pathogen invasion and expansion through management interventions and formal seed system development. Ethiopia has formal trade with Sudan, Southern Sudan, Russia, and other countries where bacterial wilt has not been reported. Ethiopia may be at risk of reintroduction of the RSSC from countries where it is present, like Kenya and India. Significance Improving seed systems to manage R. solanacearum and other seedborne pathogens is important for supporting food security and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. Implementing surveillance systems and management programs in locations like those identified in Agew Awi, Gamo, Gofa, Kembata, and Tembaro zones, and improving the communication between ware potato traders and other stakeholders, can help to strengthen informal trade of seed potato and mitigate bacterial wilt spread in infected seed.Item Gender-differentiated preference for sweetpotato traits and their drivers among smallholder farmers: Implications for breeding(Journal Article, 2024-02) Namirimu, J.; Okello, J.J.; Kizito, A.M.; Ssekiboobo, A.To improve sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) productivity, several improved high-yielding varieties have been developed by breeders. However, many farmers still grow low-yielding landraces. Farmers choose varieties to grow based on their preference for the attributes of those varieties. Varietal preferences have been shown to differ between males and females. This study assessed farmer preferences for sweetpotato traits and the factors that drive the choice of most preferred traits. It used a uniquely large data set collected through personal interviews with male and female sweetpotato growers. The study employed multinomial probit regression to examine the drivers of trait preference. It finds a higher preference for production-oriented traits among farmers in general and especially older ones. This is, however, lower among more educated farmers who mainly prefer risk-averting traits, and those growing local varieties who mainly prefer quality traits. Hence, alongside production-oriented traits, other traits critical for the acceptance of new varieties by farmers in their respective contexts should not be ignored.Item Clustering of the chemical properties of small-scale farm soils to develop fertilizer blend ratios(Journal Article, 2024-01-30) Mugo, J.N.; Karanja, N.; Gachene, C.; Dittert, K.; Schulte‐Geldermann, E.Crop management through site-specific fertility methods is crucial for both economic and environmental benefits. Potato-specific fertilizer has not been fully established in Kenya, and the current fertilizer recommendation has been in place for a long time. A study was designed through soil sampling from small-scale farms to make a soil-based fertilizer recommendation for potato production. Inverse distance weighting interpolation was used to study spatial distribution of pH and major nutrients. Cluster analysis was used to group sampled farms into similar fertility clusters for easier fertilizer recommendations. Spatial distribution maps were identified for the project area. Three and four clusters were established in Meru and Nyandarua counties, respectively, among which three had adequate nutrients for potato production. At least 150 kg N ha−1 is recommended in most of the farms and 160 kg P ha−1 in Nyandarua, while 285 kg K ha−1 was recommended in one of the clusters (nitrogen, phosporus, potassium [NPK] 1:1:1.5). Cluster analysis can be used to enhance fertilizer recommendations. The assumption that K is adequate in tropical soil should not be generalized. Fertilizers in the market with formulations close to the recommended ones should be evaluated for field performances and adjustment of the final potato fertilizer.Item Pathogen and pest risks to vegetatively propagated crops in humanitarian contexts: Geographic priorities for Cameroon and Ethiopia(Preprint, 2024-02-11) Mouafo-Tchinda, R.; Etherton, B.; Plex Sula, A.; Andrade-Piedra, J.L.; Ogero, K.; Omondi, Bonaventure Aman Oduor; McEwan, M.; Tene, P.; Harahagazwe, D.; Cherinet, M.; Gebeyehu, S.; Sperling, L.; Garrett, K.A.Cameroon and Ethiopia face complex humanitarian crises that disrupt the production of key food security crops like banana and plantain, cassava, potato, and sweetpotato. These vegetatively propagated crops are prone to the buildup of pests and diseases causing seed degeneration. In this study, we address seed degeneration in the context of natural and human-driven crises, to provide insights that can guide the decisions of humanitarian groups to reduce seed degeneration. We identified locations in Cameroon and Ethiopia that are likely to be particularly important for pathogen and pest spread in cropland network analyses. We analyzed cropland networks in each country to develop a map of locations that are candidate priorities for disease and pest management and surveillance. For example, locations in central and western Oromia, Ethiopia, are likely important for potato pathogen and pest spread given the locations' roles in the cropland network. Next, we used expert knowledge elicitation to characterize crop health risk in these systems. For example, experts reported with high consensus that there are formal and informal imports of cassava from Gabon to Cameroon, which pose a risk to cassava production in Cameroon through seedborne pathogens. These results can inform regional and national surveillance and management strategies and provide a baseline for more in-depth studies in Cameroon and Ethiopia. The results can also inform decision-making in the humanitarian sector, for designing on-the-ground actions to avoid unintentional spread of pathogens and pests during agricultural recovery interventions.Item Priority quality traits for gendered sweetpotato breeding in Mozambique(Journal Article, 2023-09-15) Mayanja, S.; Tinyiro, S.E.; Ogwal, D.M.; Makunde, G.; Naico, A.; Nakitto, M.; Ssali, R.T.; Andrade, M.I.Introduction: Sweetpotato breeders strive to develop varieties that address productivity challenges farmers face in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, adoption of these varieties is low, partly attributed to limited attention to attributes desired by the end-users. Methods: This study sought to identify the key traits preferred by eight women processors and 426 consumers (180 male, 246 female) in Manhiça, Marracuene and Maputo districts, Mozambique. Processing diagnostics and consumer studies evaluated two local varieties (‘Lilas’, ‘N’santimuni’) and two improved varieties (‘Alisha’, ‘Irene’). Data from processors were analyzed using content analysis and summary statistics. Consumer hedonic data were analyzed using clustering and regression models, while Penalty analysis and Multiple correspondence analysis were performed for the Just-about-right and Check-all-that-apply tests respectively. Results: Processors prioritized mealiness, sweet taste, not fibrous, good sweetpotato smell, ease of peeling, easy to cook and good appearance for the boiled root. ‘N’santimuni’ was the most preferred variety for processing. Consumers preferred ‘N’santimuni’ and ‘Lilas’ because of their high dry matter, pleasant sweetpotato smell, firmness in the hand, smoothness when eating and sweet taste. ‘Alisha’ and ‘Irene’ were the most penalized for low scores on sweetness, mealiness, and firmness. Women consumed sweetpotato more frequently than men and had better discernment of sweet taste, homogeneity and colour. Also, youth and more educated consumers disliked improved varieties more than adults and lower income consumers. Discussion: Processors and consumers strongly indicated their preference and importance of quality attributes such as mealiness, sweet taste, firmness for boiled sweetpotato. However, such traits are rarely included in breeding designs. Breeding programs can thus be enhanced by studies of biophysical and chemical parameters of sweetpotato. This will enable quantification incorporation of these quality attributes.Item Social reproduction: the sidelined aspect in gender and agricultural research(Journal Article, 2023-08-31) Kawarazuka, Nozomi; Hoa, P.T.; Huyen, L.T.T; Trang, B.; Achandi, Esther L.Introduction: This study explores women’s agribusiness by employing feminist theories to gain an understanding of the gender dimension of business beyond economic value, including non-material and non-market aspects associated with social reproduction. Methods: We conducted fieldwork between July and October 2021 in Vietnam through in-depth interviews with 16 women entrepreneurs in towns on the border with China, who engage in livestock-trading, and in the Central Highlands, who engage in domestic and international horticultural trade. Results: Our findings confirm that women entrepreneurs manage their business, family, and family relations together as one consolidated commitment in flexible, informal, and creative ways. Research focusing solely on economic analyses obscures not only women’s hidden labor and time in the household that enable men to dominate agribusiness, but also women’s resistance to male-privileged agribusiness. Discussion: Positioning social reproduction at the center of women’s economic activities enables researchers to have a full picture of how male-privileged agri-food systems are sustained, which is the first step towards disrupting existing inequalities in agri-food systems.Item Tailoring business models for small-medium food enterprises in Eastern Africa can drive the commercialization and utilization of vitamin A rich orange-fleshed sweet potato puree(Journal Article, 2023-08-03) Annette, N.M.; Makeda, T.; Mukani, M.; Muzhingi, T.Orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP), a promising crop for alleviating vitamin A deficiency (VAD), can be utilized at home and in commercial food processing as a basic and functional ingredient. The root can be processed into puree that is incorporated in baked and fried products and other products, with a high acceptability rate. When used as a wheat substitute in a bakery, the OFSP puree significantly cuts the production cost. In the last few years and with the intensified promotion of OFSP and OFSP puree products as a sustainable food-based strategy to tackling VAD at the population level, many small-medium food enterprises (SMEs) in the Eastern Africa Region (EAR) have shown great interest in utilizing the OFSP puree in their commercial product lines. However, the OFSP and OFSP puree value chain for commercial usage is still underdeveloped poising raw material supply challenges. In addition, the SMEs are early-stage businesses lacking the capacity and proper business models to propel them to sustainably venture into OFSP processing. As such, there is a need to engage and support SMEs in tailoring business models suitable for their scaling needs along the OFSP value chain to make available in the market, affordable nutrient-dense OFSP-puree products. This article presents the approach that was used to offer tailored Business Development Services (BDS) for selected SMEs in EAR to scale up their capacity to commercialize OFSP puree and puree-based products. The BDS designed and supported six integrated modules: business profile development, business model canvas, understanding the numbers/finances, OFSP value chain analysis, SWOT analysis, and growth plan, to develop and document individual business capacities and aspirations. The SMEs identified numerous opportunities and entry points for OFSP value chain development and expansion through the BDS depending on their business needs.Item Contrasting effects of polysaccharide components on the cooking properties of Roots, Tubers and Bananas (RTBs)(Journal Article, 2023-08-09) Mestres, C.; Taylor, M.; McDougall, G.; Arufe, S.; Tran, T.; Nuwamanya, E.; Dufour, D.; Nakitto, M.; Meghar, K.; Rinaldo, D.; Ollier, L.; Domingo, R.; Moreno, J.L.; Delgado, L.F.; Kouassi, H.A.; Diby, N.A.S.; Mbeguie-A-Mbeguie, D.; Akissoe, N.; Adinsi, L.; Rolland Sabaté, AgnèsBackground: Consumer preferences for boiled or fried pieces of roots, tubers and bananas (RTBs) foodstuffs are mainly related to their texture. Different raw and cooked RTBs were physiochemically characterised to determine the effect of biochemical components on their cooking properties. Results: Firmness in boiled sweetpotato increases with sugar and amylose contents but no significant correlation was observed between other physicochemical characteristics and cooking behaviour. Hardness of boiled yam can be predicted by dry matter (DM) and galacturonic acid (GalA) levels. For cassava, no significant correlation was found between textural properties of boiled roots and DM, but amylose and Ca2+ content were correlated with firmness, negatively and positively, respectively. Water absorption of cassava root pieces boiled in calcium chloride solutions was much lower, providing indirect evidence that pectins are involved in determining cooking quality. A highly positive correlation between textural attributes and DM was observed for fried plantain, but no significant correlation was found with GalA, although frying slightly reduced GalA. Conclusion: The effect of main components on texture after cooking differs for the various RTBs. The effect of global DM and major components (i.e., starch, amylose) is prominent for yam, plantain and sweetpotato. Pectins also play an important role on the texture of boiled yam and play a prominent role for cassava through interaction with Ca2+.Item Evidence that an unnamed isometric virus associated with potato rugose disease in Peru is a new species of torradovirus(Journal Article, 2023-10-28) Álvarez, R.A.; Amao, M.; Muller, G.; Fuentes, S.; Grinstead, S.; Fuentes-Bueno, I.; Roenhorst, A.; Westenberg, M.; Botermans, M.; Kreuze, Jan F.; Mollov, D.A previously uncharacterized torradovirus species infecting potatoes was detected by high-throughput sequencing from field samples from Peru and in customs intercepts in potato tubers originated from South America in the USA and the Netherlands. This new potato torradovirus showed high nucleotide sequence identity to an unidentified isometric virus(SB26/29), which was associated with a disease named potato rugose stunting in southern Peru characterized over two decades ago. Thus, this virus is tentatively named potato rugose stunting virus (PotRSV). The genome of PotRSV isolates sequenced in this study were composed of two polyadenylated RNA segments. RNA1 ranges between 7,086-7,089 nt and RNA2 from 5,228 to 5230 nt. RNA1 encodes a polyprotein containing the replication block (Helicase-Protease-Polymerase), whereas RNA2 encodes a polyprotein cleaved into a movement protein and the three capsid proteins (CPs). Pairwise comparison among PotRSV isolates revealed amino acid identity values >86% in the protease-polymerase (Pro-Pol) region and >82% for the combined CPs. The closest torradovirus species, squash chlorotic leaf spot virus, shares amino acid identities of ~58% and ~41% in the Pro-Pol and the combined CPs, respectively.Item The roles of community nutrition scholars in changing mothers' child feeding, food preparation, and hygiene practices in southern Bangladesh(Journal Article, 2023-06-15) Kawarazuka, Nozomi; Ibrahim, F.; Rahaman, E.H.M.S.; Prain, GordonIntroduction: This qualitative study evaluates a nutrition and hygiene education program led by trained community nutrition scholars for 5,000 mothers of small children in the Khulna and Satkhira districts in southern Bangladesh. The objectives of this study are as follows: (1) understanding the processes and reasonings behind mothers’ improvement in child feeding, food preparation, hygiene, and homestead garden production, (2) understanding men’s roles in facilitating women’s behavioral changes, and (3) assessing the degree of changes in subjective notions of self-confidence, decision-making, and recognition among mothers and nutrition scholars. Methods: Data were collected through 14 focus group discussions with 80 participants and in-depth interviews with 6 women community nutrition scholars. Data was then analysed qualitatively by drawing on direct quotes from focus group discussions and interviews with detailed interpretation and account for respondents’ behaviors and perceptions. Results: Overall findings confirm behavior changes by women, their spouses, and other family members. Many women were able to independently decide to change food allocation and child feeding practices after gaining self-confidence through the training. Men performed vital roles, such as purchasing nutritious food in local markets, providing labor for land preparation of homestead gardens, and defending the women from the resistance to change by their mothers-in-law. Discussion: While the study supports the literature that women’s bargaining power in food/resource allocation is critical in child health and nutrition, the evaluation found that this process involves negotiations among family members. Engaging men and mothers-in-law in nutrition interventions have great potential to make nutrition interventions more eective.