Sweet potato is a vital part of many people’s staple diet and livelihood, especially in Africa. The roots are high in carbohydrates and some varieties have significant amounts of pro-vitamin A. Sweet potato yields more edible energy per hectare per day than wheat, rice or cassava, can grow in poor sandy soil, and is relatively drought tolerant. In Eastern Africa it is therefore called “protector of the children”. Sweet potato however has a short shelf life and is easily susceptible to postharvest losses. This brief presents several issues relating to improvement of sweet potato.