This report for sweetpotato progress in southern Africa which includes Madagascar, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia and South Africa is on the important constraints affecting sweetpotato in that region. This constraints are:

• Variable climate patterns: Irregular rainfall, drought, floods Drought stress= up to 25% crop loss & flood
• Susceptibility to diseases and pests (Sweetpotato weevil damage=up to 73% crop loss & SPVD)
• Cold (frost) and dry; conservation of vines (SA, MAD)
• High post-harvest losses and limited value addition (MAL)
• Declining soil fertility (MAL)