Growth Rates for Potatoes in Latin America in Comparative Perspective: 1961-07

Despite being the center of origin for the potato, Latin America now lags behind Africa and Asia in annual growth rates for the crop amongst developing country regions. This paper attempts to answer two basic questions: What were the principal trends in growth rates for potato production, area, and yields in Latin America over nearly the last half century? In light of these developments, what are the prospects for the commodity in the region in the years ahead? After calculating growth rates for potatoes and other major food crops utilizing FAO data, the paper analyzes the evolution of regional trends in potato production based on those figures. A synthesis of previous publications then aims to explain the principal contributing factors to these growth rates for the major potato-producing countries in the region. The paper concludes by presenting alternative scenarios for development of the potato sector in the region, outlines a case for the more likely of these, and identifies some key topics for future socio-economic research.