The situation analysis examined the literature and information from both primary and secondary sources on sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) and orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) in three north central geopolitical zones of Nigeria, namely Benue, Kwara and Nasarawa States . The broad objective of this situation analysis was to provide clear understanding of the agricultural policy and programme issues involved in up scaling sweetpotato and OFSP in Nigeria. Data were collected from existing survey literature and from the database of the following ministries in each state: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ministries of Economic Planning and Budget, National Population Commission, Ministries of Health, States Health Management Boards, Ministries of Education, Crop Farmers and Sweetpotato Producers. The process also involved conducting focus group discussions with communities in the various agricultural zones to foster better understanding and interpretation of data. Most data from the reviewed literature were already analysed. The primary data were manually collated and tabulated for each state and used to either confirm or update and fill the gaps in the secondary data.

The study reviewed the demographic, health and nutrition information in Nigeria as the basis for unravelling the situation of sweetpotato and OFSP in Nigeria. It examined the population dynamics, land area and arable land, education and literacy, administration, the economy and natural resource distribution in Nigeria. The study also reviewed health indicators, especially those related to maternal mortality, infant and child mortality and life expectancy. It addresses women’s health and its effects on agricultural productivity. Furthermore, the study examined food consumption patterns, food availability, and affordability within the framework of the national nutrition policy. The study reviews the status of food based interventions in Nigeria and outlines the local and international partnerships and institutional structure and systems established to facilitate improvements in nutrition in Nigeria.