Authors : Artur Domingos Catito; Pascoal Jeremias Chiambo; Bonifácio Visseteca; Imaculada Matias Da Conceição; Alexandre Gombiwa Alfredo; Romilson Gouveia Madruga

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 7 - July

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/998fuf4m

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/3r9f5sdn

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jul984

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivation plays a significant role in the socioeconomic development of rural households, constituting an important source of income, employment, and food security in many developing countries. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of potato production on the family income of farmers in Lomanda village, Ecunha Municipality, Huambo Province, Angola between September 2025 to April 2026. The study adopted a mixed-method approach combining quantitative and qualitative techniques. The research had a descriptive and exploratory nature and involved the application of structured questionnaires to 97 family farmers engaged in potato production. Data were organized and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages. The findings revealed that most producers were over 40 years old, belonged to large households, and had considerable experience in agricultural activities. Potato cultivation was identified as the primary source of income for 81% of the surveyed households, contributing significantly to food consumption, healthcare, education, and reinvestment in agricultural production. The study also found that potato production positively influenced local employment opportunities, food security, and commercial activities within the community. However, farmers continue to face important constraints, particularly limited access to agricultural inputs, credit facilities, technical assistance, transportation, and stable markets. Additionally, concerns regarding soil degradation associated with continuous cultivation practices were reported. The study concludes that potato production is a strategic activity for improving rural livelihoods and promoting local economic development in Lomanda, highlighting the need for policies and support programs aimed at strengthening the potato value chain and enhancing farmers' profitability and resilience.

Keywords : Potato Production; Family Farming; Household Income; Food Security; Rural Development; Socioeconomic Impact

References :

1. Bajracharya, M., Sapkota, M., & Khatiwada, S. (2017). Profitability and productivity of potato (Solanum tuberosum) in Baglung district, Nepal. Nepal: Agriculture & Food Security, 6, 47.
2. Delphy. (2022). Understanding the Angolan Potato Sector. . The Hague, Netherlands.
3. Devaux, A. (2021). The Potato of the Future: Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainable Agri-food Systems. Potato Research, 64, 681–720.
4. FAO. (2025). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Statistical Database: Crops and Livestock Products. Rome: FAOSTAT.
5. FAO. (2025). International Day of Potato 2025: FAO underscores the crop's value for food security, livelihoods and the environment. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
6. FAO. (2024). Agriculture and Food Security. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Rome.: FAO.
7. Government of Angola. (2024). Family farming represents about 80% of national food production. Luanda: Government of the Republic of Angola.
8. IFAD. (2018). Evaluation of the Country Strategy and Programme – Republic of Angola. Rome: International Fund for Agricultural Development.
9. Manirinho, A., & Nkikabahizi, F. (2025). Effects of potato farming on small farmers' food security in volcanic highlands of Rwanda. Rwanda: Cogent Food & Agriculture, 11(1).
10. Mdoda, L., & Maziya, M. (2023). Resource Use Efficiency of Potato Production among Smallholder Irrigation Farmers. Sustainability, 15(19), 14457.
11. Mijena, G. M. (2022). Ensuring food security of smallholder farmers through potato production in Ethiopia. Agricultural Information Management Standards.
12. MINAGRIF. (2024). Balance of the 2023/2024 Agricultural Campaign. Luanda: Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Angola,.
13. RAFA/CPLP. (2018). Family Farming and Sustainable Development in the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries. Lisbon: CPLP Family Farming Network.
14. Yamane, T. (1967). Statistics: An Introductory Analysis. New York: (2nd ed.) Harper and Row Publishers.