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Dossier sur l'année internationale de la pomme de terre 2008 - archivé fin 2008
Using potatoes to alleviate hunger and poverty
Potatoes are a food staple for many of the world’s inhabitants. In developing countries, they are an important resource for fighting hunger and poverty. For this reason, the UN made potatoes
one of its themes for 2008. The SDC has supported the potato sector since the 1970s.
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Supplementing income Entering the market to earn more In developing countries, potatoes improve the diet of those small-scale farmers who grow them. But that’s not all. Potatoes are also – and above all – a way for them to generate and supplement their income, particularly when the farmers get in contact with markets. The SDC’s programmes in Bhutan, Peru and Mongolia are examples of how this works. |
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Sustainable agriculture The delicate balance between producers, consumers and the environment Productivity can be increased sustainably through the use of adapted farming techniques. Potatoes need to be constantly protected from disease. This can be achieved through the use of quality potato seed along with integrated disease and pest management to ensure a sustainable environment. For this reason, the SDC contributes to expanding the capacities of small peasant farms, such as in Peru and Bolivia, with the backing of the CIP. |
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Biodiversity and genetic resources Preserving genetic diversity to reap the benefits Potatoes are a promising crop for small farmers in developing countries as long as they have healthy, high-quality potato seed. For this, the potato’s genetic diversity must be preserved, used on a sustainable basis and made available to small farmers. The International Potato Center (CIP), which is backed by the SDC, plays an important role in this area. |
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Networks and local capacities |
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Potato Research Putting technology and knowledge to use for development Small-scale potato farmers in developing countries should have access to genetic resources to help them increase their yields. Extensive research is carried out on preserving and using potato varieties, in particular by the International Potato Center (CIP), a long-time partner of the SDC. Research is also focused on future challenges in the potato sector. |
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Interview with Tewolde Berhan Gebre Egziabher A sustainable future rooted in the past Biologist and biodiversity specialist Tewolde Berhan Gebre Egziabher, from Ethiopia, has accomplished a great deal in his home country and has played a pivotal role in the drafting of international instruments to protect biodiversity. He predicts that today’s agroindustry paradigms are about to change. |
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Bolivian paintings “The potato – A treasure of the Andes” Bolivian artist Mamani Mamani has painted a series of paintings highlighting the cultural, historical and economic importance of this noble tuber and paying tribute to all who preserve and cultivate the potato. |
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Links to useful sites Potatoes - Did you know?
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