An Analysis of Maize Seed Production and Distribution Systems In Ethiopia’s Rift Valley

Abstract

Discussions on agriculture and rural development in Ethiopia inevitably lead to the subject of seed. Through a combination of modern science and modest changes in farmers' cultivation practices, improved seed can yield remarkable abundance for small-scale farmers in Ethiopia. This abundance can contribute to greater production and productivity and can contribute to the country’s food security and poverty reduction efforts (Dawit and Spielman 2006; Dawit et al. 2004; Deressa et al. 2001). An example of this potential abundance is captured in the recent introduction o f several drought tolerant and nitrogen-use efficient maize varieties in Ethiopia. The varieties - Melkassa II, III, IV and V - were introduced under the first phase o f the African Maize Stress (AMS) project, a joint undertaking of the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and national agricultural research institutes across eastern and southern Africa (Banziger and Diallo 2001; Banziger and Diallo 2002; Worku et al. 2002; Diallo et al. 2002; Muasya and Diallo 2002; and Siambi et al. 2002). They were specifically developed for the semi-arid environments of Ethiopia’s Rift V alley1 and are now being disseminated through demonstration trials with smallholders in the area. However, these breeding successes are tampered by the difficulty in delivering improved seed to smallholders. Despite an active agricultural extension system, a large state-owned seed enterprise and the recent liberalization o f seed market regulations, the availability and adoption of improved seed in the Rift Valley area remains low (Muhammad et al. 2003). The purpose o f this study is to evaluate the maize seed production and distribution system in Ethiopia, to assess the roles of various players in the system, and to make recommendations that are specifically relevant to improving the marketing and distribution o f improved maize varieties to smallholders in the Rift Valley area. Data for the study were gathered in 2005 from primary and secondary sources. Primary data were collected in Ethiopia’s Rift Valley area using rapid rural appraisal methods highlighted by group discussions using pre-prepared checklists, and by key informant interviews with maize farmers using a pretested questionnaire. Secondary data were collected from different public agencies and private companies directly and indirectly involved in the seed industry.