New report on vegetable seed systems in Ethiopia: challenges and opportunities

Ethiopia’s diverse agroecology allows for the production of a wide range of vegetable crops. A reliable supply of good quality vegetable seed is essential to support vegetable production, but there is a substantial mismatch between the demand for seed by farmers, and the seed supply on the market. A recent study analyzed the challenges and opportunities of vegetable seed systems in Ethiopia, and identifies entry points for interventions to enhance the effectiveness of vegetable seed systems. The study utilized both primary and secondary data sources. Primary data were collected from key informant interviews with public and private sector seed companies. Secondary data was sourced from a variety of materials, including published and unpublished reports, newsletters and websites.

The vegetable seed sector in Ethiopia relies heavily on seed imports. Significant constraints to local seed production include insufficient policy attention to the vegetable seed sector, lack of basic seed supplies, private enterprises that focus on commercial crops, and inadequate funding for research and development. Future efforts should involve government and non-government organizations supporting establishing community-based vegetable seed and seedling producers, and strengthening the public research system.

Despite the challenges, Ethiopia has opportunities to enhance its vegetable seed system. These include growing demand for vegetable crops, favorable agroecological conditions for both warm- and cool-season vegetables, significant irrigation potential, the ratified Seed Proclamation 1288/2023, an improved food culture with increasing vegetable consumption, a growing pool of skilled human resources in agricultural research, better government policies, and strong genetic potential. However, the vegetable seed system remains underdeveloped, heavily reliant on imported seeds, and unable to meet domestic demand. Addressing these issues requires targeted interventions.

Based on these findings, five recommendations are proposed: (i) prioritize vegetable seed system development, (ii) explore alternative seed supply mechanisms, (iii) strengthen local breeding capacities, (iv) establish vegetable seed stakeholder platforms, and (v) strengthen the national regulatory body. In general. Enhancing Ethiopia’s vegetable seed system is critical for improving agricultural productivity, farmer incomes, and national food security. A well-functioning vegetable seed system will not only reduce dependency on imported seeds, but also create economic opportunities, enhance climate resilience, and contribute to improved nutrition and dietary diversity in the country.

This report is an output of the project, ‘Best practice guidelines for vegetable seed kit and irrigation interventions to support populations impacted by disaster in need of emergency crop support’. Funding for this research was provided by the Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID-BHA), and long term strategic donors to the World Vegetable Center: Taiwan, UK aid from the UK government, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), Germany, Thailand, Philippines, Korea, and Japan. The authors also gratefully acknowledge the assistance of the Ethiopian Agricultural Authority, private seed importers, woreda agricultural offices, and the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research and its centers.

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