The SPHI is a multi-partner, multi-donor initiative that seeks to reduce child malnutrition and improve smallholder incomes in 10 million African families by 2020 through the effective production and expanded use of sweetpotato. 

The first five-year phase (2010-2014) focused on Proving the Potential, building up the supply of adapted varieties and testing delivery models.  The second five-year phase (2015-2019) focuses on Achieving the Potential, ensuring that effective “seed” systems are delivering improved planting material to 10 million sub-Saharan African households in 17 countries.

The SPHI Steering Committee is committed to partnership for collective impact. The committee provides strategic guidance and undertakes high level advocacy and resource mobilization for the initiative. It is  co-led by the International Potato Center (CIP), represented by Jan Low and Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), represented by Yemi Akinbamijo. 

Dr. Jan Low Principal Scientist & Sweetpotato for Profit and Health Initiative (SPHI) Leader Sweetpotato Action for Security and Health in Africa (SASHA) Project Manager International Potato Center (CIP) Box 25171 Nairobi, Kenya 00603 ILRI campus, Uthiru Phone:  254-20-422-3601  

In spite of Zambia having a vitamin A capsule supplementation program and fortified sugar (currently reaching 63% of children 6–9 months of age) the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) among children under five years of age is 54%.  Part of the challenge is that fortified foods are often beyond …

The four year project aimed to improve vitamin A and energy intake for at least 15,000 rural households growing and consuming OFSP, of which 75% should be women with children under 5 years of age.

Since 2011, the project focused on five districts in Eastern Province (Chipata, Katete, Lundazi, Nyimba, Petauke) and one district in Central Province, Kapiri-Mposhi, known for sweetpotato production that feeds into the Lusaka (the capital of Zambia) market.  The project was hosted by ZARI’s Msekera research station in Chipata, Zambia.

Felistus Patience Chipungu (CIP), F.Chipungu@cgiar.org

We are working in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Nassarawa, Benue, Ebonyi, Kaduna, Kwara, and Osun states.