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Opportunity Crops: Sweetpotato Leaves
Sweetpotato is grown in more than 100 countries. Drought tolerant and
adaptable, it supports food security worldwide. In parts of Africa and Asia,
the leaves are eaten daily:boiled, sautéed, or cooked in stews.
Rich in vitamins A, C and K, minerals and antioxidants, sweetpotato leaves are highly nutritious. These leaves are staples in traditional diets
but rarely reach formal markets. The varieties grown for their leaves are different from those bred for their edible roots.
In Tanzania, women lead the growing, harvesting and selling of fresh sweetpotato leaves. Opening more markets could create new income
and business opportunities. With better varieties, supply chains and
policy support, they could hit supermarket shelves.
This opportunity crop offers more than food. It brings better nutrition, stronger economies and greater resilience.
