Investment action plan for scaling orange-fleshed sweetpotato fresh root production and consumption for food security, nutrition and sustainable livelihoods in Rwanda

Ojwang, S.; Nshimiyimana, J.-C.; Demo, P.; Ndirigwe, J.; Low, J.; Uzamushaka, S.; Sartas, M.; Okello, J.J. 2025. Investment action plan for scaling orange-fleshed sweetpotato fresh root production and consumption for food security, nutrition and sustainable livelihoods in Rwanda. International Potato Center (CIP); CGIAR Research Initiative on Transforming Agrifood Systems in West and Central Africa (TAFS-WCA).

This Investment Action Plan outlines a five-year strategy to scale the production and consumption of orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) in Rwanda as a pathway to improved food security, nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods. Led under the CGIAR Transforming Agrifood Systems in West and Central Africa (TAFS-WCA) initiative, the plan targets more than 150,000 direct beneficiaries through decentralized vine multiplication, farmer training, market development, cold storage infrastructure, and integration of OFSP into school feeding and health center meal programs. OFSP is a cost-effective, climate-resilient crop rich in beta-carotene, capable of addressing vitamin A deficiency while generating high returns for smallholder farmers. With a total investment requirement of USD 10.9 million, the plan demonstrates strong economic viability and high potential for nutrition-sensitive agrifood systems transformation in Rwanda.