Analysis of Seed System Actors: Roles, Responsibilities, and Linkages in Central Ethiopia

Abstract

A seed system in Ethiopia denotes the entire complex organizational, institutional, and individual procedures related to the development, multiplication, processing, storage, distribution, and sale of seeds. It includes formal, informal, and intermediate seed sectors. The rationale of this paper is how the interests & interactions of the seed actors are related to the performance of the seed system within the formal and informal seed sectors. The study aims to analyze the seed systems actors’ roles, responsibilities, linkage, and implications of the gap. The study used qualitative data collected from 25 key informants, and six separate focus group discussants in Ada’a and Bora districts (Oromia region), and Moretena Jiru district (Amhara region). Moreover, secondary data sources were used. The data were analyzed using stakeholder analysis to describe, categorize, narrate, and discuss the seed system actors. The result of the study identified the constraints and gaps of the roles, responsibilities, and linkages of seed system actors related to limited collaboration among the seed actors; limited engagement of the private sector and seed associations during the development of regulatory measures; considerable mismatch in the supply and demand of certified seed of available crop varieties; inefficient seed distribution and marketing mechanisms; weak variety release, seed quality assurance system, and lack of a clear seed policy. The major findings were also that the linkage among seed system actors was very weak due to weak management capacity; lack of coordination between production, processing, and delivery of certified seeds of improved varieties; poor marketing systems; and inappropriate planning & evaluation. This study summarizes the seed system should need further investigation to minimize the constraints and gaps. Coordination and linkages among all actors need strengthening to stand in rapid, orderly, and effective growth. Inter-organizational linkages should be assessed to maintain better aspects negotiate improvements in existing linkage mechanisms and build new relationships among actors.