ABSTRACT

Supporting smallholder women farmers in potato cultivation Linley Chiwona-Karltun, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden; Maryanne Wamahiu, Stockholm University, Sweden; Chikondi Chabvuta, Actionaid International Malawi, Malawi; Dianah Ngonyama, Association of African Agricultural Professionals in the Diaspora, USA; and Paul Demo, International Potato Center (CIP), Malawi

1 Introduction

2 The importance of potato cultivation to African smallholders

3 The role of women in potato cultivation

4 Challenges facing women smallholders

5 Strategies to support women smallholders

6 Conclusion and future trends

7 Where to look for further information

8 References

Although it can be shown that women play a critical role in smallholder agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa, this role has not been fully recognised until recently. This role applies to many crops including potatoes. This chapter explores this role and the ways it can be better supported. It begins by looking at the importance of potato cultivation to African smallholders and the key role of women in potato cultivation. The chapter then reviews the unique challenges facing women smallholders before discussing the range of strategies to support women smallholders and reflecting on their effectiveness.