Potato processing in Ethiopia

The potato availability in Ethiopia is low and volatile, despite the large potential of potato production. Yields are estimated around 20% of the potential. Potato processing is the missing link in the potato value chain. 

The project objective is to establish a potato processing facility that will directly link smallholder potato farmers to the market. Off-take agreements with fair and consistent prices will result in an improvement of the smallholder incomes, and will start the fly wheel of more investment, higher quality and more productivity. 

The project covers the complete value chain: supply, processing and marketing. The project will focus on the development of a supply chain, a processing facility and a market for fresh potatoes and processed potato products.

The project will sell its products in the Ethiopian market, which is currently a large existing but unmet market and/or served by imports. The project will provide farmers stable, transparent prices while rewarding them for quality produce. This will incentivise the farmers to invest in productivity and quality. In the long term, market efficiency and value chain sustainability will lead to increased local availability of affordable potatoes.