Orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) is a rich plant-based source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. In sub-Saharan Africa, sweetpotato is known as a food security crop but most varieties grown are high dry matter white-fleshed types, lacking beta-carotene. In 1995, researchers recognized the potential of OFSP varieties to address widespread vitamin A deficiency in SSA using an integrated agriculture-nutrition approach. With their partners, they confronted conventional wisdom concerning food-based approaches and institutional barriers, to build the evidence base and breed 42 OFSP varieties adapted to farmer needs and consumer preferences. Subsequently, a multi-partner, multi-donor initiative, launched in 2009, has already reached 2.8 million households. This review summarizes that effort describing how the changing policy environment influenced the process.

橙肉甘薯 (OFSP) 是一种丰富的植物性 β-胡萝卜素来源，人体会将其转化为维生素 A。在撒哈拉以南非洲，甘薯被称为粮食安全作物，但种植的大多数品种都是高干物质白色- 肉质类型，缺乏β-胡萝卜素。 1995 年，研究人员认识到 OFSP 品种具有利用农业营养综合方法解决 SSA 普遍维生素 A 缺乏问题的潜力。他们与合作伙伴一起面对有关基于食品的方法和体制障碍的传统观点，建立证据基础并培育出适合农民需求和消费者偏好的 42 个 OFSP 品种。随后，2009 年发起的一项多伙伴、多捐助方倡议已惠及 280 万家庭。本综述总结了这一努力，描述了不断变化的政策环境如何影响这一进程。