In the wake of prolonged conflict in Tigray, the agricultural landscape has been profoundly disrupted, leaving farming communities grappling with severe challenges to their livelihoods. Among the most critical impacts has been the collapse of local seed systems—essential structures that underpin food production, income generation, and resilience for smallholder farmers. Seed Producer Cooperatives (SPCs) and Community Seed Banks (CSBs), which play a pivotal role in producing, storing, and distributing locally adapted quality seeds, were left with damaged infrastructure, rendering them unable to operate effectively.
To address this pressing issue, Mercy Corps, through its ESP+ Seed Insecurity Response (SIR) program, launched a targeted intervention to restore the operational capacity of these vital community institutions. The overarching goal was clear: enable conflict-affected seed actors to resume their core functions, re-establish access to quality seeds for farming households, and lay the foundation for long-term recovery and resilience.
From assessment to action
The intervention commenced with comprehensive damage and needs assessments conducted in collaboration with SPCs and CSBs across four woredas in Tigray. These assessments revealed that while technical expertise and commitment among seed producers remained strong, the absence of basic infrastructure and equipment—such as storage facilities, processing tools, and office furniture—posed significant barriers to restarting operations.
Guided by these findings, Mercy Corps ESP+ SIR program provided tailored support to eight SPCs and two CSBs in three woredas. With a strategic investment exceeding 3.2 million ETB, essential equipment and materials were procured and delivered. Items included beam balances for precise seed weighing, corrugated iron sheets and nails for rehabilitating storage facilities, office furniture such as tables, shelves, pallets, chairs, and specialized equipment like seed moisture testers. Careful attention was given to ensure that these interventions did not distort local markets but instead enabled cooperatives to sustainably re-engage in seed production and distribution.
Immediate results with long-term implications
The impact of this initiative has been both immediate and transformative. Restored storage and processing facilities have allowed seed producer groups to resume vital activities such as proper seed storage, weighing, record-keeping, and documentation. These improvements are essential for maintaining seed quality and ensuring that farmers receive reliable, locally adapted seeds when needed for planting.
Beyond physical infrastructure restoration, the intervention has fostered a profound human impact. For many members of SPCs and CSBs, particularly women, who play a critical role in community seed systems—this rehabilitation effort symbolizes dignity, hope, and renewed purpose.
Tsedal Girmay, a member of Atseyohannes SPC in Degua Timben, shared her heartfelt perspective: “When I saw all these new materials supporting our store, I did not just see materials. I saw our future harvests protected. I felt happy not just for me but for all the mothers and farmers who use our seeds to farm and feed their families.”
Similarly, Bishop G/Igzehabher Hadgu, Head of Ayba Community Seed Bank in Emba Alaje, expressed gratitude: “From nothing, the program has equipped us with the necessary seed service facilities. We thank Mercy Corps for the support!”
Haftom Takur, leader of Birhan Ayba SPC in Emba Alaje, emphasized the empowering nature of the intervention: “This is not a handout; it is a hand up. With these tools, we are regaining our role as guardians of our land’s future. We are now motivated to produce quality seeds because we know our community’s resilience grows from what we plant today.”
These testimonials highlight how strategic, need-based assistance can rebuild confidence, restore institutional capacity, and strengthen community-based seed systems.
Strengthening local seed markets and building resilience
In addition to infrastructure rehabilitation, this intervention addresses systemic challenges within the local seed market by revitalizing a critical link in the agricultural value chain. By restoring the operational capacity of SPCs and CSBs, Mercy Corps has empowered community-based seed producers to resume their functions effectively.
With their operations back on track, these cooperatives are now better positioned to supply high-quality seeds, stimulate local economic activity, and reduce dependency on external seed assistance. Strengthening local seed systems in this manner fosters community self-reliance and enhances the ability of farming households to withstand future shocks—whether climatic, economic, or conflict-related.
Looking ahead
Mercy Corps will continue its commitment to support these community institutions as they maintain their recovery journey. Through ongoing efforts to restore capacity, increase productivity, enhance market engagement, and secure long-term seed availability for farming communities, the ESP+ SIR program aims to ensure sustainable seed insecurity response.
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