Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.3, 137-149 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 142 grasses such as hairy vetch, rye, and clover with potatoes can increase soil organic matter, enhance microbial activity, and improve nitrogen supply and soil structure stability (Nyiraneza et al., 2021; Henzel et al., 2025). In experiments in eastern Canada, the use of cover crops and organic fertilizers increased soil nitrogen supply capacity by 44%, microbial respiration by 27%, and potato yield by 28% (Nyiraneza et al., 2021). In regenerative agriculture, these methods can significantly increase the number of microorganisms, soil respiration and fungal activity, and can decompose organic matter and nutrient cycles (Henzel et al., 2025). Cover crops can also reduce soil erosion and nutrient loss (Junge and Finckh, 2024; Henzel et al., 2025). 5 Socio-economic Dimensions of Sustainable Potato Production 5.1 Contribution to rural livelihoods and food security Potato is the fourth largest staple food in the world and is very important for ensuring rural livelihoods and food security. It is a key crop in many developing countries to fight hunger and poverty due to its high yield, strong adaptability and rich nutrition (Devaux et al., 2020; Devaux et al., 2021). Potato can produce high yields with limited resources, and can meet the food needs of different regions through diversified planting, enhancing food availability and stability. It is widely distributed and has a flexible planting cycle, which helps to alleviate seasonal food shortages and improve the self-sufficiency of rural households (Devaux et al., 2020). The development of the potato industry chain has also created a large number of employment opportunities in rural areas, promoted farmers' income increase, and promoted rural economic development (Thuo and Maina, 2024). In developing regions such as Africa, Asia and Latin America, potato is a key crop for improving smallholder livelihoods, improving nutrition and achieving sustainable development (Devaux et al., 2020; Devaux et al., 2021; Thuo and Maina, 2024). 5.2 Role in smallholder and family farming systems Smallholders and family farming systems play an important role in global potato production, especially in developing countries, where potato cultivation is the livelihood guarantee for many farmers (Devaux et al., 2021; Kangogo et al., 2024; Thuo and Maina, 2024). Potato is suitable for small-scale, diversified agricultural systems, and can be rotated or intercropped with other crops to improve land use efficiency and system resilience (Devaux et al., 2021; Thuo and Maina, 2024). In Kenya, Ethiopia and other places, potatoes are not only an important cash crop, but also an important part of farmers' family tables (Mijena et al., 2022; Thuo and Maina, 2024). However, many small farmers face difficulties in seed quality, climate change, pests and diseases, technical support and market access during production (Kangogo et al., 2024; Thuo and Maina, 2024). In order to improve the productivity and risk resistance of small farmers, research and policy recommendations include promoting high-quality seed potatoes, strengthening technical training, developing farmer cooperatives, improving infrastructure and enhancing information services. Promoting innovation in digital agriculture and climate-smart agriculture will help enhance the resilience and sustainable production capacity of small farmers (Thuo and Maina, 2024). 5.3 Market access and value chain potential in developing regions Market access is limited by inadequate infrastructure, poor market information, price volatility, and shortages of seeds and agricultural resources (Kyomugisha et al., 2018; Wubet et al., 2022). In Uganda and Ethiopia, factors such as the contractual relationship between farmers and buyers, land size, planting varieties, and agricultural tool ownership significantly affect market access and sales efficiency. Farmers' income can be increased by more than 25% by participating in the value-added links of the value chain (such as primary processing, grading and packaging, etc.) (Kyomugisha et al., 2018). Collective marketing, contract farming and direct sales can improve market efficiency and farmers' bargaining power. In Ethiopia, the main participants in the potato value chain include producers, wholesalers, retailers and consumers. Wholesalers dominate the market through financial advantages, but farmers can significantly increase market supply and income by improving education levels, strengthening market connections and participating in farmers' organizations (Wubet et al., 2022). Policy recommendations include helping farmers obtain high-quality seed potatoes and agricultural inputs, improving market information services, and establishing a reasonable price mechanism and post-harvest management system (Kyomugisha et al., 2018; Wubet et al., 2022; Kangogo et al., 2024).
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