Strong Sweet Potatoes in Zanzibar

Abstract

Unlike cassava, some varieties of which can be safely left in the ground for several months after the crop is ripe, sweet potatoes must be dug when the tubers are fully grown or rotting and insect infestation will rapidly destroy the crop. A further disadvantage of this crop in Zanzibar is that during the hot season, November to February, tuber formation does not take place even if the vines survive the hot, dry weather. There is thus a great shortage of sweet potatoes during the first half of each year. Some attention has, therefore, been given in this Protectorate to finding a simple method whereby the sweet potato can be stored for several months.