As diets continue to diversify across the globe, food systems increasingly try to respond to product
requirements in light of growing urbanization, population expansion, shifts in incomes and changing tastes
and preferences. In that context, potato production expanded more rapidly in Africa than in any other region
of the world in recent years according to FAO statistics. This paper analyzes the evolution of potato
production, utilization, and trade in Sub-Saharan Africa over nearly the last half century. After an analysis of
FAO annual secondary data on regional trends in production and use complemented by a selective review of
previous publications, the paper identifies some key issues for future research as well as some opportunities
for industry