Farmer preference for improved seed potato varieties in Malawi: Case study of Ntcheu and Dedza districts

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is the main root and tuber crop produced for both food and cash. Potatoes are the world’s number one non-grain food commodity. It provides fast cash because it is a short duration (3-4 months) crop. Malawi is ranked the biggest potato producing country in Africa. As one way of improving quality of potatoes in Malawi, the Government through the Ministry of Agriculture and International Potato Center released new varieties. These varieties were disseminated to the farmers in 2012-2013. A study was conducted in Ntcheu and Dedza (major potato producing districts) to determine factors that farmers base on to select potato varieties for cultivation. Results show that potato price at the market is the major factor contributing to which variety to grow. Chuma and Mwai are the major preferred varieties due to their high prices at the market.