Ethiopian Potato Growers Increase Yields and Improve Lives with Help from VSU Volunteers
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Potato field in Ethiopia |
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Before Nebiyu Ayalew began receiving technical support from Virginia State University (VSU) through the USAID-funded Farmer to Farmer (FtF) program, he and his family could barely satisfy home consumption and income needs from their small potato crop. Annual potato production and cash income for this Ethiopian potato grower and his family were less than 3,520 pounds per acre and $93, respectively. Nebiyu and his family could not even use edible oil, as they did not have enough income to buy such food items from the market. He remembers the feelings of desperation these times brought.
Since 2006, Nebiyu has been receiving FtF volunteers who specialize in growing and processing potatoes, and the results from his potato crop are much different.. With improved seed supply from the Regional Agricultural Research Institute and technical supports given by FtF volunteers, Nebiyu began producing 13,640 pounds per acre. Nebiyu’s annual income from the sale of potatoes has increased, on average, from $93 to $436.
VSU Volunteers provided recommendations on the importance of constructing a diffused light store (DLS), advice on sowing methods, plant spacing, fertilizer application methods, preventing potato seed from rotting by removing the upper part of the plant, preparing compost from potato residuals, and post harvest storage management.
Thanks to the support he received from FtF volunteers, Nebiyu’s household has food security and an improved diet. Now, he is able to buy edible oil and other food stuffs. With the additional income, Nebiyu has bought two horses an ox, and two beehives. Moreover, Nebiyu has managed to invest $178 from the income earned from the sale of potatoes in family activities.
“Not only my household, but also all potato growers in the area today are better off as we are equipped with the necessary knowledge of improved potato production systems,” said Nebiyu. “The technical support we’ve received has greatly empowered us to make better-informed decisions on how to produce, harvest and store potatoes.”
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