Impact of improved sweet potato varieties adoption on household food security: Evidence from Gaza Province, Mozambique

Food security remains a critical challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, where agricultural productivity is constrained by climate variability, limited access to inputs, and inadequate extension services. Despite the promotion of improved sweet potato varieties (ISPVs) as a food and nutrition intervention, a crop that requires minimal inputs; empirical evidence on their impact remains limited. This study evaluates the effect of ISPVs adoption on household food security in Mozambique, using primary data from 382 farming households in Gaza Province. An Endogenous Switching Regression (ESR) model was used to correct for selection bias while estimating the counterfactual impact of adoption on food security outcomes. The findings indicate that adopters experience significantly better food security outcomes, as measured by the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and the Food Consumption Score (FCS), compared to non-adopters. Among adopters, education, livestock ownership, and crop diversification are significantly associated with higher food security, while livestock ownership also plays a mitigating role among non-adopters. The results highlight the need for policy interventions that enhance food and nutrition security by expanding ISPVs through agricultural extension and training programs. Strengthening support for livestock integration and promoting crop diversification can further improve food security outcomes. Key words: Adoption, food security, improved sweet potato varieties, endogenous switching regression, Mozambique.