In a significant development for the seed sector in Tigray, Ethiopia, Mercy Corps in collaboration with the regional seed core team has successfully facilitated the review and validation of the Seed and Seed System Response Guideline. This milestone was achieved after incorporating valuable feedback and inputs from various stakeholders, leading to the finalization of the guideline. In a follow-up workshop on 23 May 2025, organized by Mercy Corps in collaboration with the regiona seed core team at Mekelle, the guideline received official endorsement from the Tigray region.
The endorsement follows months of collaborative effort and extensive feedback collection, ensuring the guideline reflects the diverse insights and expertise of stakeholders. Fissah Bezabih, advisor to the regional Bureau of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BoANR) head and chairperson of the regional seed core team, presented the finalized guideline during the workshop. In his presentation, Fissha highlighted how the document had evolved through a rigorous process of validation workshops and consultations with the Regional Agriculture Task Force (ATF). His remarks underscored the collaborative nature of the initiative, which aims to create a robust framework for seed system development.
Dr. Dandena Gelmesa, Senior Seed Sector Coordination Expert at ESP-SWR, also addressed attendees on the importance of Humanitarian Development and Peace (HDP) building nexus in seed sector coordination and governance. He outlined the need for cohesive seed sector coordination, proposed key focus areas for action, and emphasized the role of regional seed coordination in monitoring progress and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. Dr. Dandena’s insights highlighted the critical role of governance in ensuring the successful implementation of the guideline.
Following the presentations, the guideline received unanimous support from participants. The regional steering committee, led by Dr. Eyasu Abraha, head of Tigray BoANR, officially signed and announced the endorsement of the guideline. In his remarks, Dr. Eyasu praised Mercy Corps, ESP, and the regional seed core team for their dedication and contributions to this achievement. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the guideline’s “Ten Magic Principles of Seed and Seed System” to drive meaningful transformation in the region’s seed system.
The event was attended by 29 participants, including representatives from humanitarian organizations, development practitioners, research institutions, unions, private businesses, Mercy Corps, and the Ethiopian Seed Partnership. This diverse group reflected the wide-ranging support for the initiative and underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in achieving sustainable agricultural development.
Looking ahead, Mercy Corps aims to expand these efforts to other regions, including Afar and Somali, by adapting the endorsed guidelines to their unique contexts. This expansion will promote broader adoption of sustainable seed system practices across Ethiopia. Additionally, Mercy Corps plans to track annual progress and monitor results to assess the wider impact of these efforts, providing valuable evidence for further learning and improvement.
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