Empowering Small Businesses and Cooperatives Through OFSP-Based Food Products
The International Potato Centre has embarked on a transformative journey through the central and southern regions of Malawi, offering hands-on training to small businesses and cooperatives. This initiative, supported by One CGIAR’s Ukama Ustawi program, focuses on scaling the production and commercialization of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) purée, aiming to boost both business development and community health.
OFSP is a biofortified sweet potato variety rich in vitamin A, and its introduction to the Malawian market has opened up exciting opportunities for value-added food products. During the training sessions, local entrepreneurs showcased an array of creative and nutritious products, including cakes, doughnuts, bread, cheula, scones, and chapati, all made using OFSP purée. The enthusiasm from participants and their ability to innovate with this nutrient-dense ingredient is a testament to the growing potential of sweet potatoes in the food industry.
The goal of this initiative is twofold: to promote the commercialization of OFSP and to improve community nutrition. The introduction of OFSP into the food market provides a sustainable business model for local cooperatives and small businesses while offering consumers healthier alternatives to traditional products. By adding value to sweet potatoes, this initiative is not only strengthening food security but also contributing to economic development in rural areas.
The next phase of the project will focus on integrating OFSP into school feeding programs, helping to nourish the future generation. By bringing OFSP-based meals to schools, the initiative aims to further expand its impact on health, education, and local economies.
The efforts of the International Potato Centre and its partners highlight the potential of agricultural innovation to transform both business and community well-being. As this program continues to scale, its focus remains on sustainability, collaboration, and long-term impact.
