ABSTRACT
The potato can play a useful role in many countries’ agricultural development strategies. The potato is often thought to be a crop of the industrial nations and of minor importance in developing areas. The growth of potato production, which exceeds that of most other food crops, is particularly rapid in Africa, Asia, Central America, and the Caribbean. Most potatoes grown outside of South America have been derived from the few potatoes taken to Europe following the Spanish conquest. Some of the world’s largest and smallest, richest and poorest, most progressive and most backward farmers grow potatoes. Most potato producers can be categorized as subsistence farmers, commercial farmers, or market-gardeners. Potatoes are subject to fewer climatic hazards but more pests and diseases than in cooler areas. The demand for potatoes depends on population size, income levels, prices, and food habits. Conventional projections of demand assume that changes in income have only a small effect on demand.
