A computer aid to potato seed production, storage and distribution in developing countries

Abstract

A major constraint to potato production in developing countries is the timely availability of good quality seed. The problem is frequently not a question of an awareness of good production practices, but rather the implementation of this expertise given limited resources, bureaucracy, lack of storage and transport facilities and the very small quantities of seed needed by many small farmers. These phases are often poorly appreciated by project managers, who do not fully understand the inter-relationships of the many factors involved. The development of a computer model of the production/storage/distribution phases has aided managers in Burundi, central Africa, to become aware of these important factors and also helped in planning long-term and seasonal production strategies. This paper outlines the essential elements of the model, which could be a useful planning and production tool in many other developing countries.