Original Source: ICCO
In Ethiopia, the STARS* program works with microfinance institutions (MFIs) and farmers cooperatives to increase food security and income for 76,000 smallholder farmers by strengthening the potato and malt barley value chains. In West Shewa Zone, Jaldu Woreda, STARS supports smallholder farmers in the potato value chain.
Potato Boosts Productivity
The potato value chain is valuable as it plays a great role in food security in Ethiopia. This crop is harvested during the lean season from August to October. It helps reduce shortage of food at household level. It also allows farmers to use potatoes in a crop rotation system; farmers produce another crop after potatoes are harvested. According to the farmers, planting potato boosts the productivity of the land for the second crop.
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