In a commendable effort to address seed insecurity and enhance seed sector development in Ethiopia, the SWR Ethiopia ESP project has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to the seed sector by supporting six Seed Producer Cooperatives (SPCs) in the East Hararghe zone of Oromia region. The project has focused on enhancing the capacity and efficiency of local seed systems, particularly in fragile contexts where access to quality seeds remains a critical challenge for farmers.
The support was made aiming to improve the cooperatives seed production capabilities, enhance seed quality, and expand access to better seed varieties for local farmers. This initiative is expected to strengthen the resilience of these cooperatives to external shocks and ensure the sustainability of their seed production and supply systems.
On December 22, 2025, a formal handover ceremony marked a significant milestone in this endeavour. The cooperatives are HajiFaji, Bontu Saba, Lallisa Ifadin, Barisa Sharif, Gamechis, and Misoma Egu, they received three multi-crop threshers, five seed moisture testers, and five weight balances. This equipment is expected to significantly enhance their operational efficiency, improve seed quality, and increase the availability of quality seeds for local farmers.
In addition to supporting the SPCs, the project provided three laptop computers to Haramaya University. This gesture aims to strengthen the university’s capacity to support these cooperatives and effectively implement ESP-supported activities.
During the handover ceremony, Professor Mangistu Urge, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Haramaya University, highlighted the university’s long-standing dedication to community engagement and agricultural research. He emphasized that this partnership aligns with the university’s mission and reiterated its commitment to collaborating with the ESP project to further develop the seed sector.
Dr. Mohammed Hassena, SWR Ethiopia ESP project manager, expressed his optimism about the positive impact of this material support on the region’s seed sector. He acknowledged Haramaya University as a key partner in this endeavour and reaffirmed the project’s commitment to working closely with the university to achieve shared goals.
Kemal Kasim, Research Communication Team Leader at Haramaya University and the ESP focal person at the institution, provided an insightful overview of the challenges faced by SPCs in East Hararghe. He noted that limited access to appropriate seed processing and quality control technologies has been a significant barrier to progress. The provision of infrastructure support through this project is designed to address these critical gaps and accelerate the development of the seed sector in the region.
Representatives from the SPCs expressed their gratitude and enthusiasm for the support received. They acknowledged that the new equipment would significantly enhance their ability to produce, process, and market quality seeds.
The collaboration between SWR Ethiopia ESP project and Haramaya University exemplifies how partnerships can drive meaningful change in addressing complex challenges like seed insecurity. By empowering local cooperatives with advanced tools and resources, this initiative is not only improving agricultural productivity but also fostering sustainable development in one of Ethiopia’s most vulnerable regions.
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