South Africa has a diverse population,with some pockets of society being in a firstworld setup and other pockets
in a thirdworld impoverished setup. Food provision in impoverished societies is particularly crucial. Sweet potato
(Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) is a hardy crop and prominent in ensuring household food security; through its rich
supply of energy, high yield potential and market value. In addition, orange-fleshed cultivars in particular are
prominent in combating vitamin A deficiency due to high content of naturally bio-available β-carotene. This
paper reviews interventions with regard to biofortification of sweet potato in South Africa towards addressing
food and nutrition security. The focuswas on the development of biofortified (high β-carotene content) cultivars
and screening procedures for desired varietal traits; assessment of β-carotene, anti-oxidant and mineral content
and the processing potential of orange-fleshed cultivars. Efficacy of orange fleshed sweet potato to improve vitamin
A statuswas shown and positive effects of household production of orange-fleshed sweet potato, in conjunction
with other β-carotene rich vegetables, on dietary intake, vitamin A status and food security were recorded.
Dissemination efforts were initially focused on home gardens,which gradually expanded to subsistence production
and enterprises. During 2014/15, over 1 million cuttingswere disseminated and 5 to 40 small-scale commercial
farmers in six provinces planted 0.25 to 1 ha of orange-fleshed sweet potato as means for income generation.
In order to exploit the nutritional benefits of sweet potato and its potential to reduce vitamin A malnutrition and
food insecurity, it is recommended that policy makers set directives to incorporate orange-fleshed sweet potato
in government programs related to health, rural development, social development and agricultural production.
There is a great need for investment in promotion of orange-fleshed sweet potato, particularly to consumers
and retailers. Private–public partnerships and investment by private companies will be crucial for upscaling
the impact of orange-fleshed sweet potato on food and nutrition security.