Performance of Tissue-Cultured Sweet Potatoes Among Smallholder Farmers in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Tissue culture has the potential of improving the livelihoods of subsistence farmers that largely rely on vegetatively propagated crops. This study assesses the impact of growing tissue-cultured sweet potatoes on yields and economic profitability among smallholder farmers in the Hwedza District of Zimbabwe. A sample of 133 smallholder farmers was chosen using a multi-stage sampling process. Primary data was collected using structured and semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and direct-yield measurements.