The same table however, also shows that the potential for higher productivity does exist in the region.
For example, under good management, potato yields in Burundi could be increased from the current level of 3t/ha to 15t/ha.

Potato: Over the past two decades, both the area planted and the production of potato has increased faster than those of any other crop in Sub-Saharan Africa. Introduced by European settlers at the end of the last century, potatoes have become an important staple and a cash crop in highlands production zones, and is a highly preferred food in urban areas.
Uganda and Ethiopia are the largest potato producers in the region; the highland areas of Madagascar, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, D.R. Congo and Eritrea are also important producers.

Sweetpotato: Sweetpotato production is greater than what the official figures suggest for two reasons.
First, the crop is concentrated within particular zones and cropping systems within countries. It is found primarily in densely populated, mid-elevation areas. Second, sweetpotato is a classic "secondary food crop" with flexible planting and harvest periods.

It is more important as a food in low-income households and for marginal groups within households. East and Central Africa is the secondary site of diversity of this crop.

For both crops, production is almost entirely (>95%) by small-scale farmers who often own less than 1-2 acres.
Thus, opportunities for putting additional land under production are limited because of land availability.
The only potential for increasing output is through increased productivity to the grower. This is highly desirable since there is high market demand for the two commodity products.