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Exploring new horizons: Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships in Ethiopia’s forage seed sector
DLF, a globally renowned seed producer based in Denmark, recently visited Ethiopia and engaged in constructive discussions with the SWR Ethiopia Ethiopian Seed Partnership (ESP) project and RESILNCE teams. As a leading international company in forage seed production, DLF is committed to fostering public-private partnerships (PPP) to introduce high-quality forage crop varieties to the Ethiopian…
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Direct Seed Marketing (DSM) to be resumed to address seed marketing challenges in Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s agricultural sector stands as a cornerstone of the country’s economy, and the seed sector plays a pivotal role in ensuring food security and improved agricultural productivity. However, the seed market in Ethiopia faces numerous challenges, particularly with issues related to carry-over seed. In 2025, the National Seed Technical Committee (NSTC) identified this issue as…
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Collaborative planning for coordinated seed emergency response in Tigray
Recognizing the critical importance of sustainable seed systems in fragile contexts, a consultative and joint planning meeting was held on 30–31 December 2025 in Wukro town, Tigray region. The event brought together key humanitarian and development (HD) actors to discuss, jointly plan market-based seed response in the region. The meeting convened 37 participants representing government…
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A new chapter of seed self-sufficiency for Benishangul Gumuz Region
The Benishangul-Gumuz Region, a fertile area in Ethiopia renowned for its agricultural potential, particularly in maize production, is taking significant strides toward achieving seed self-sufficiency. Historically, the region has been a key supplier of hybrid maize seed for the nation, with larger companies and public seed enterprises producing seeds in the area. However, the reliance…
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Short term training on seed sector governance for seed professionals
The seed sector plays a pivotal role in shaping the agricultural landscape of Ethiopia. Recognizing the need to address challenges and enhance the capacity of professionals within the seed sector, SWR Ethiopia ESP project collaborated with Haramaya University and organized a short-term training program “Governance for Seed Sector Development.” This targeted training took place from…
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Enhancing capacity and resilience of seed producer cooperatives in Oromia Region
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…
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Strengthening seed labs for better seed certification service
The Ethiopian Seed Partnership (ESP) has been actively working to bolster seed regulatory services across the country. As part of this initiative, ESP has focused on strengthening seed testing laboratories to ensure the delivery of high-quality seeds to farmers. Following an extensive assessment of existing seed laboratories, gaps were identified, including limited technical capacity among…
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Coordination and collaborative strategies for advancing the Afar Region seed sector
A workshop was held on June 13, 2025, in Semera town to advance the Afar Regional State’s agricultural development through the establishment of a seed coordination committee. The initiative, aimed at transforming the region’s seed sector, seeks to foster collaboration and alignment among humanitarian, development, and peace (HDP) building actors to address critical challenges in…
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Somali Regional State establishes seed coordination committee to enhance HDP Nexus collaboration
A workshop was held on May 14, 2025, in Jigjiga town, marking a significant step in the Somali Regional State’s efforts to transform its seed sector through the establishment of a seed coordination committee. The initiative aims to foster collaboration and coherence among humanitarian, development, and peace (HDP) building actors to address critical challenges in…
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Humanitarian and development organizations in Tigray region endorses seed and seed system response guideline
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…
