The shelf life of the potato is no longer than a few
weeks and therefore it is difficult to stockpile in farms. The
roots are usually picked and eaten during the short period of
the harvesting season. Thus an extension to its shelf life
would make it possible to lengthen the period of commerci-
alization, as well as improving food safety and producer
income. Due to these factors, the sweet potato should be
eaten within a few weeks after harvest, or processed to
reduce its moisture content, which allows it to be stored for
a longer period of time. They are usually dehydrated after
slicing to improve the efficiency of the process (Chen 2002).
It is a well known fact that in some African areas the root is
sliced and dehydrated to increase conservation (Oirschot et
al. 2003).