The strengthened involvement of the private sector in seed delivery in Ethiopia signifies a significant shift in the prevailing power dynamics, which have been
predominantly centered around four public seed enterprises and a small number of selected unions. Increasing private sector’s investment in and share of the market promises new innovations for farmers to improve their crops with. The strengthened participation of the private sector holds the potential to bring about positive changes in the agricultural landscape, offering farmers access to a wider range of improved seed varieties and new technologies.
Boosting seed production through domestic businesses
The Partnership will work intensively with selected domestic businesses to boost their seed production capacity, quality, sales, profitability, and sustainability. Based on thorough assessment high potential domestic businesses will be selected. They will receive business coaching, technical training, and business planning support. Activities include:
- Organizing group trainings and exchange with peers and foreign experts –on seed business management, product development, portfolio diversification and marketing;
- Strengthening seed producers’ sales and promotion strategies focusing on integrating market segments, customer relationships business models and share best practices in promotion;
- Linking seed producers to inter/national breeders to access new varieties;
- Increasing access to finance for domestic seed businesses in Ethiopia through assisting them in developing bankable business plans and by brokering loans and grants;
- Establishing a blended financial product with commercial banks to set up a product for domestic seed businesses.
- Collaborate with international companies to start or expand their operations in seed production in Ethiopia.
ORGANIZING PRIVATE SECTOR
The partnership will work with its consortium partner the Ethiopian Seed Association (ESA) to help enhance its value proposition to members, fostering a more sustainable local business environment. Services to the private sector will be embedded within the association.Experiences from the Dutch seed industry association Plantum, collaborating companies, and WUR will be shared. ESA will be supported in its own organizational development. Activities include:
- Improving ESA’s value proposition to the seed industry;
- Supporting ESA to play its part in transforming the seed sector;
- Strengthening ESA’s human resources;
- Reforming ESA’s strategy, structure, systems and culture;
- Support networking ESA with similar associations;
- Convening the National Seed Forum annually.
FEMALE-LED BUSINESS INCUBATOR
The partnership found that one of the reasons for the low numbers of women in seed business in Ethiopia is that women entrepreneurs often lack the necessary operational skills and business knowledge to effectively
run a business. They also have a limited financial and technical capacities.This incubator with customized support to women leading small- and medium-scale enterprise is improving the inclusion and equity of emerging female entrepreneurs in seed business and seed-related services. The process consists of training, coaching, technical advice and experience sharing. Participants conclude with a bankable business plan and pitch their proposal.
Where we are so far
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