New Publication in collaboration with UNIL and University of Zimbabwe

At the heart of this research lies the use of Discrete Event Simulation (DES), a modeling technique that integrates real-world data on sweet potato production, transportation, and market dynamics. The project also leverages climate data, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and insights into farmer behaviors to optimize the entire supply chain.

This approach goes beyond traditional agricultural analysis, offering practical solutions to long-standing challenges such as:

• Drought resilience: Identifying the best sweet potato varieties for extreme climates.
• Market alignment: Balancing resilience with consumer preferences for white-skinned sweet potatoes.
• Resource bottlenecks: Streamlining land preparation, labor, and transportation logistics.

Key Insights from the Study

1. Climate Resilience & Sweet Potato Varieties:
   Yellow-skinned sweet potatoes, though highly resilient, face low market demand, whereas white-skinned varieties offer a balance of resilience and popularity. This trade-off is crucial in designing a sustainable supply chain.
2. Supply Chain Bottlenecks:
   The study identified critical inefficiencies in cultivation and transportation, exacerbated by climate variability and resource constraints. Solutions include better irrigation systems, improved equipment access, and optimized logistics.
3. Community-Centric Approaches:
   The inclusion of local farmers and policymakers ensures that proposed solutions are practical and can be readily implemented, enhancing community buy-in and success rates.

Implications for Zimbabwe’s Agricultural Future

The findings have far-reaching implications, not just for Zimbabwe but for other countries with similar challenges. By improving resource allocation, adopting climate-smart practices, and fostering collaboration among farmers, policymakers, and researchers, the project aims to:

• Increase sweet potato yields and profitability.
• Reduce food insecurity in rural areas.
• Create scalable solutions for agricultural challenges across Sub-Saharan Africa.

The research team plans to share their findings in a stakeholder workshop and work toward implementing the study’s recommendations. This includes pilot programs to test optimized supply chain models and continued collaboration with local communities to fine-tune approaches.

Stay tuned as this project continues to set a benchmark for innovation in agricultural resilience and sustainability.