Storage solutions for roots and tubers in Ethiopia through traditional and improved methods

Roots and tubers are essential crops worldwide, face storage challenges in Ethiopia due to perishability and moisture content. This review explores literature on storage methods, their significance, challenges, and opportunities related to Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Cassava, Yam, Enset, Taro, Anchote, and Oromo Dinich. These crop producers traditionally use storage methods to reduce losses, facing ongoing technical challenges despite improved techniques. Farmers in Ethiopia and neighboring countries use various storage methods for roots and tubers, including in-house, open-platform, underground, clamp, and barn storage. Additionally, improved techniques like Diffused Light Storage (DLS) and irradiation are increasingly adopted across Africa, including Ethiopia. Researches indicate that storing roots and tubers in sand can greatly extend shelf life. Diffused Light Storage, a cost-effective method using natural light and ventilation, effectively preserves seed tuber quality for 6–8 months, minimizing sprout elongation and aging without major quality loss. In conclusion, to extend the shelf life of different roots and tubers the contribution of traditional and improved storage methods are huge. However, due to limited literature on this topic in Ethiopia, Therefore, the current review highlights different studies conducted in the country on roots and the tubers storage and the significance of employing effective storage methods to address post-harvest issues and maintain product quality.