Academic Research Journal of Agricultural Science and Research
 

Vol. 6(9), pp. 558-569. December, 2018.

ISSN: 2360-7874 

 DOI: 10.14662/ARJASRD2018.091

Full Length Research

Collective action for seeds technology transfer and commercialization: a systematic review of seed producer farmer groups’ seeds technology promotion and supply experiences in Ethiopia

Addisu Bezabeh*

Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), P.O.BOX 2003 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

* Corresponding Authors; E-mail address: addisu.bz@gmail.com

Accepted 16 November 2018

This systematic review document explored the seed sector in Ethiopia by looking into its type, actors, performance and prospects relating to seed producer farmers’ collective action initiatives. There are three seed systems in Ethiopia viz. formal, intermediate and informal seed system. Rural development agencies and experts promote farmer collective action for numerous benefits in agrarian countries. In recent years, seed producer farmer groups flourishing across the country, putting efforts in new variety adaptation, evaluation, demonstration, multiplication, promotion and supply filling formal seed supply deficits. In Ethiopia, crop productivity still remains very low relative to its potential yields, the low productivity could be attributed to limited access to and adoption of seeds of improved varieties among other factors- in major crops the area covered with improved varieties is estimated to be still 10%. Given the limited access and adoption of seed technology, fruitful farmer collective action initiatives observed in the seed sector. These collective action initiatives shortening the time span to get newly released varieties as the platform makes contact with certified seed suppliers and farmers multiply the seed with close support of experts that enhance access and farmer-to-farmer seed exchanges. So far, a number of seed producer farmers groups have been established under diverse commodities. And their efforts have been recognized by governmental, NGOs, research organizations and private actors.  Seed producer farmer groups are largest seed suppliers and strengthening their initiative will be important to improve access and use of technology thereby production, productivity and address food insecurity and poverty leading to economic growth and development at large.

Keywords:  collective action, seed multiplication, seed dissemination, seed business, Ethiopia

How to cite this article (APA Style):

Bezabeh, A (2018). Collective action for seeds technology transfer and commercialization: a systematic review of seed producer farmer groups’ seeds technology promotion and supply experiences in Ethiopia. Acad. Res. J. Agri. Sci. Res. 6(9): 558-569