Tag: sustainable-agriculture

  • Hands-on training to strengthen private seed companies seed quality analysis capacity

    Hands-on training to strengthen private seed companies seed quality analysis capacity

    In an effort to enhance food security, improve nutrition, and bolster climate resilience, the role of high-quality seeds cannot be overstated. Recognizing this, the Ethiopian Seed Partnership (ESP) has been working diligently with domestic seed companies to strengthen their capacity in seed production and quality assurance. By equipping these companies with the tools and knowledge…

  • Seeds for resilience in fragile context: A new chapter forcommunity-based seed production in Afar Region

    Seeds for resilience in fragile context: A new chapter forcommunity-based seed production in Afar Region

    In Ethiopia’s Afar Region, farmers long reliant on humanitarian seed aid due to droughts and floods are now seeing change. Efforts are underway to transform the seed system, offering hope to these resilient agro-pastoral communities. The region has long faced seed insecurity, relying on external seed assistance due to the lack of local producers except…

  • Stakeholders discuss strategies to reinitiate Direct Seed Marketing in Oromia Region

    Stakeholders discuss strategies to reinitiate Direct Seed Marketing in Oromia Region

    In a concerted effort to enhance seed marketing and ensure the efficient delivery of quality seeds to farmers, the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), in collaboration with the Oromia Bureau of Agriculture (BoA), Oromia Seed Enterprise, and Ethiopian Seed Partnership (ESP), hosted a regional stakeholders’ consultative workshop in the Oromia Region on 5th of March 2026.…

  • 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…

  • A new chapter of seed self-sufficiency for Benishangul Gumuz Region

    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…

  • Enhancing capacity and resilience of seed producer cooperatives in Oromia Region 

    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…

  • ESP 4th round internship launch highlights graduate readiness 

    ESP 4th round internship launch highlights graduate readiness 

    Empowering young graduates in the Ethiopian seed sector The fourth round of the ESP Internship Program has officially commenced, welcoming 28 recent graduates (including 8 women) with diverse educational backgrounds in plant science, horticulture, rural development, agricultural extension, agribusiness, and crop production. This initiative continues to serve as a platform for fostering skilled professionals in…

  • Strengthening seed labs for better seed certification service

    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…

  • Somali Regional State establishes seed coordination committee to enhance HDP Nexus collaboration

    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…

  • Mercy Corps Ethiopia launches seed insecurity response program in Tigray

    Mercy Corps Ethiopia launches seed insecurity response program in Tigray

    In Ethiopia, where agriculture forms the backbone of rural livelihoods, seed insecurity has become a pressing challenge, particularly in regions affected by conflict, disasters, and climate-related shocks. Farmers in these areas face significant hurdles in accessing quality seeds of diverse crops and varieties, leaving them vulnerable to food insecurity and economic instability. Historically, emergency seed…