Sweet potatoes are not just a staple food in Africa, but also a versatile ingredient used in many delicious dishes. In various African countries, sweet potatoes are grown for their rich taste, nutritional benefits, and adaptability to different climates. The KCOA-KHEA project, through resources produced by PELUM Kenya, provides valuable guides on how to grow and add value to sweet potatoes. These guides have helped many farmers across the continent improve their production and explore creative ways to enjoy sweet potatoes.
Growing Sweet Potatoes in Africa

Growing sweet potatoes in Africa is simple and rewarding. According to the Sweet Potato Growing Guide: by Biovision Africa Trust through the EOA-I Project and support from SSNC , here’s how you can grow this nutritious crop:
- Choose the Right Soil: Sweet potatoes grow best in loose, well-drained soils. Make sure your land has enough sunlight and good irrigation.
- Prepare the Land: Before planting, clear the land and break up the soil. You can dig small holes or raised beds to plant the sweet potatoes.
- Plant the Slips: Sweet potato plants grow from “slips,” which are small sprouts taken from the vines of mature sweet potatoes. Place the slips about 30 cm apart in rows. The slips should be planted deep enough to cover their roots well.
- Water Regularly: Sweet potatoes need consistent moisture, especially during the dry season. But be careful not to overwater as this can cause the roots to rot.
- Weed and Mulch: Keep the area around your sweet potatoes free from weeds. Mulching helps retain moisture and protect the plants.
- Harvest: Sweet potatoes are ready to harvest when the leaves begin to yellow. This usually takes about 4-5 months. Gently dig around the roots to avoid damaging them.
Sweet Potato Delicacies in Africa
In many African cultures, sweet potatoes are prepared in various ways. From boiled to fried, roasted, or even mashed, there are countless ways to enjoy them. Let’s explore some common sweet potato delicacies:

- Boiled Sweet Potatoes: A popular and simple dish where sweet potatoes are boiled until tender. Often served with a side of stew, vegetables, or even as a snack.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Sweet potatoes are sliced into strips, fried until golden, and seasoned with salt. These crispy fries are loved by many, whether served as a side dish or a snack. 9Incase you wish to prepare sweet potato chips, please visit this link: https://www.tiktok.com/@rahimfoods/video/7463080400785575200
- Sweet Potato Porridge: This dish is common in East Africa. The sweet potatoes are boiled and mashed with milk and sugar, creating a deliciously creamy porridge. It’s often eaten for breakfast or as a comfort food.
Value Addition to Sweet Potatoes
Aside from these traditional dishes, sweet potatoes can be transformed into many value-added products.

The Sweet Potato Value Addition Guide produced by Biovision Africa Trust through the EOA-I Project and support from SSNC highlights several ways to add value to sweet potatoes, ensuring they can be enjoyed throughout the year. Some ideas include:
- Sweet Potato Flour: Dried and ground sweet potatoes can be turned into flour, which is used in baking and making porridge.
- Sweet Potato Chips: Thinly sliced sweet potatoes, fried to make crispy chips, are a popular snack.
- Sweet Potato Juice: By blending sweet potatoes with water and sugar, you can make a nutritious juice.
- Sweet Potato Bread: Sweet potato can be incorporated into bread recipes, adding moisture and a subtle sweetness to the loaf.
Value addition not only extends the shelf life of sweet potatoes but also opens up new markets for farmers.
Sweet potatoes are a nutritious and delicious food that plays an important role in many African countries. With the right knowledge on how to grow and process them, they can be enjoyed in numerous ways, adding variety to the diet while improving farmers’ livelihoods. The guides by PELUM Kenya, like the Sweet Potato Growing Guide and the Sweet Potato Value Addition Guide, provide important insights on how to maximize the potential of this versatile crop. Whether you are enjoying a simple boiled sweet potato or trying your hand at making sweet potato bread, the possibilities are endless!
Other Resources on sweet potatoes production and management;
Disclaimer:
- To learn about the KCOA Project: https://kcoa-africa.org/
- To learn about the KHEA Project: https://khea-africa.org/
- For more details on information in this article, please reach out to pmagino@biovisionafrica.org
- See license statement of all KCOA Content: https://kcoa-africa.org/licence-statement/ which also applies to all content from hubs implementing the KCOA project.
Blog story formulation – done by Magino Pamella-KHEA Communications Officer-PELUM Uganda and Biovision Africa Trust Kenya
Edited, reviewed&uploaded by Magino Pamella-KHEA Communications Officer-PELUM Uganda and Biovision Africa Trust Kenya

Author: Pamella Magino
Ms. Magino Pamella joined PELUM Uganda on 1st Oct 2021 as Communications Officer for the KCOA-KHEA project. With 9+ years in Communications and Marketing, she specializes in Public Relations, Business Development, and Marketing. Pamella holds a Bachelor’s in Mass Communication (Public Relations) and is a Certified Member of PRAU. She has worked with organizations like The Nile Basin Initiative and Victoria University Kampala, crafting strategies that drive positive change.