Feasibility of Sack Potato Production as a New Technique used in Some Urban Parts of Zimbabwe

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the feasibility of sack potato production in some parts of Zimbabwe. Study Design: The study utilised two instruments for data collection, namely questionnaires and structured interviews. Methodology: The first questionnaire for the producers of sack potato was distributed to fifty respondents. It enquired about personal information, inputs and adherence to best practices, technicalities, viability and sustainability of the technique. Another questionnaire reaching twenty respondents targeting consumers, was also effected focusing on product quality, acceptability and consumer perspective of sack potatoes. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS. 16). Place and Duration of the Study: Data was collected in parts of Harare and surrounding areas for a duration of six months. Results: Most respondents were in the age range, 25-55 years, which is the most economically active group in the farming industry in Zimbabwe. Low yields were cited by 25% of respondents as a major limitation encountered with sack potatoes. These low yields were reportedly a result of lack of technical knowledge by 16.7% of the sample as most of them were new to the field. Another 16.7% reported labour problems especially in filling the sacks while some observed land degradation, 8.3%, when soil was collected in the forests for sale to potato producers and yet some experienced water shortages, 8.3%. Other limitations identified were high soil media costs as well as lack of access to the right type of soil by 8.3% of the sample, while 8.3% reported that the bucket system of watering was strenuous. Another 8.3% especially those at early stages of planting reported that there were no problems at all with the technique. Conclusions: Sack potato production in Zimbabwe may still require more research before full implementation. The feasibility of large scale commercial production and the optimum size of the sack or container also needs investigation so as to avoid unnecessary wastage of resources. There might be cases of misrepresentation of potential yield performance of sack potatoes in Zimbabwe.