Ethiopian Seed Association’s Stakeholder Engagement Workshop Addresses Key Challenges in the Seed Sector

The Ethiopian Seed Association (ESA) has been at the forefront of fostering collaboration and dialogue among its members to tackle the various challenges faced by the seed sector in Ethiopia. Through consultation platforms and stakeholder engagement workshops, the association aims to foster collaboration, create awareness about new policies, and discuss the progress of the association. In its latest initiative, the association organized a stakeholder engagement workshop in Addis Ababa, in partnership with the Ethiopia Netherlands Seed Partnership. This workshop served as a platform to raise awareness about the new seed policy, address input provision challenges, and provide an opportunity for members to discuss the progress of the association.

The workshop commenced with a presentation by Mr. Fisseha from the Ethiopian Agriculture Authority, who provided insights into the new seed policy. The presentation focused on important updates and changes that would impact stakeholders, particularly private seed companies. Topics such as variety testing, DUS & NPT testing, and the phasing out of old varieties were discussed in detail. Participants had the opportunity to seek clarifications and provide feedback, which Mr. Fisseha addressed effectively. He emphasized the need for stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the new policy and make use of the forthcoming directives.

During the second session, Ayalneh, the ESA Secretariat manager, provided a concise overview of the challenges associated with input provision, specifically focusing on Early Generation Seeds (EGS) and fertilizer supply. Dr. Karta from the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) then shared valuable insights into the measures taken by EIAR to address these challenges. He discussed various ongoing initiatives, including the development of an online system for EGS application and the potential for collaboration between private companies and EIAR in EGS production. Dr. Karta emphasized the importance of transparent information sharing regarding landholding and out growers, as it greatly impacts collaboration opportunities. Additionally, he mentioned that ESA members and other seed companies in the country can conveniently submit their requests for EGS through the dedicated online platform, ensuring that the organization can promptly address these requests.

Regarding the issue of fertilizer shortages, Dr. Mohammed, the Project Manager of the Ethiopia Netherlands Seed Partnership (ENSP), provided participants with an update on the latest developments being implemented by the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture. According to Dr. Mohammed, the ministry has procured 2.3 million tons of fertilizers, which have been purchased for the current year. This proactive step taken by the ministry aims to address the shortage and ensure that farmers have access to the necessary fertilizers for their agricultural activities.

In the afternoon, the workshop shifted focus to internal discussions among members of the association. Ayalneh provided an overview of the association’s activities in 2023 and highlighted partnerships with various development organizations. He also acknowledged the challenges faced by the association. Following this, Mr. Melaku facilitated a discussion on several topics, including members’ reflections on 2023 activities, improving membership fees, addressing inactive members, and approving policy documents. Members expressed satisfaction with the association’s accomplishments in 2023 and agreed to implement a fee adjustment based on operational considerations. However, further consultation was required with public enterprises before determining a specific figure. Multinational companies expressed their intention to assess membership fees in other East African companies to arrive at an appropriate amount.

The workshop concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Melaku Admasu, the chairman of the board, expressing gratitude to all participants for their active involvement. The chairman highlighted the value of information sharing, learning from one another, and strengthening the association through collaborative efforts. The workshop provided a platform for stakeholders to address prevailing challenges in the seed sector and laid the foundation for future collaborations and initiatives.

As Ethiopia continues to prioritize agricultural development and food security, initiatives like this stakeholder engagement workshop are crucial for fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and addressing challenges in the seed sector. The Ethiopian Seed Association’s commitment to creating awareness, promoting dialogue, and driving progress is commendable. With continued efforts and partnerships, Ethiopia’s seed sector can thrive, supporting farmers and contributing to the country’s overall agricultural growth.

Stakeholders in Ethiopian Seed Sector Discussed Seed Production and Marketing Plan

Stakeholders in the Ethiopian seed sector recently convened to discuss the seed production and marketing plan. This important gathering brought together key players in the industry to strategize and collaborate on ways to enhance seed production and improve the marketing of seeds in Ethiopia. The forum was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Ethiopia Netherlands Seed Partnership in Adama on November 11, 2023. The main objective of the forum was to evaluate the achievements of the previous year and discuss a three-year seed production and marketing plan for major crops.

The three-year seed production and marketing plan for major crops, covering all seed classes, was presented for discussion. The plan aims to produce 2.31 million quintals of certified seed by the end of the third year, with 1.52 million quintals already produced in 2021. Participants agreed that the target was achievable.

The plan also includes a potato seed supply component, which is uncommon in Ethiopia’s seed supply planning. The goal is to produce and supply 238,929 quintals of potato seed tubers by the end of the third year.

In addition to the numerical figures, the presentation also addressed the various challenges that could impede the attainment of the targets and proposed strategies to overcome these obstacles. A significant portion of the discussion revolved around enhancing coordination among the stakeholders to effectively achieve the desired outcomes. A preliminary coordination structure was presented, which included technical committees at both federal and regional levels as well as a steering committee at the federal level. It is crucial to note that the minister expressed his unwavering commitment to leading the steering committee. The minister emphasized that the technical committees would be responsible for outlining specific activities and assigning roles to different actors, while also ensuring that there is no duplication or overlap in efforts to attain the planned targets. Furthermore, the technical committees are tasked with proposing improved approaches for implementation and monitoring, evaluation, and learning (ME&L). The minister emphasized that by building upon existing knowledge and embracing innovative methodologies, we can establish a robust system that effectively meets the needs of farmers.

At the end of the forum, the next steps were discussed in smaller teams. It was decided that the governance structure would be refined based on the suggestions put forth by these teams and subsequently presented to the minister for approval. The technical committees, including those situated in various regions, will be convened in a kick-off meeting to ensure a level playing field for all parties involved.

In conclusion, the national consultative seed forum was a significant step towards achieving the goal of producing and supplying certified seeds for major crops in Ethiopia. With better coordination, commitment from stakeholders, and a functioning governance structure, it is possible to establish a strong system that responds to the demand of farmers. ENSP is committed to support the efforts of the ministry to establish a functioning seed system        

The forum was attended by major stakeholders in the Ethiopian seed sector from both regional states and federal levels. The forum was well-received by participants who were pleased to see such an event taking place, as there had been no similar gatherings in recent years.

Ethiopia Netherlands Seed Partnership Empowers Women in Agribusiness

If you’re in the seed business and looking for opportunities to grow your capacity, then the Ethiopia Netherlands Seed Partnership (ENSP) has some exciting news for you. ENSP is providing a unique capacity building program for women-owned agribusinesses in the seed value chain.

The program aims to build the capacity of women who own seed businesses and are willing to participate in a training program. The training will equip participants with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the competitive seed industry.

But that’s not all. Participants who complete the training will also have the opportunity to participate in a pitch competition that offers a prize of 3,000 EUROs. This is a fantastic opportunity for women-owned seed businesses to showcase their ideas and compete for funding that can help take their businesses to the next level.

The ENSP is committed to promoting gender equality and empowering women in agribusiness. By providing this capacity building program, they are helping to level the playing field and create opportunities for women entrepreneurs in the seed industry.

If you’re interested in participating in this program, don’t hesitate to reach out to the ENSP. This could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for to take your seed business to new heights.

To apply follow this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfSG8uI8DXlnvSxQezzaV-7zrbp6jY0Wa6xb6Ia3EtH3O2G7A/viewform

The National Seed Forum urged the government to devote more emphasis on the seed sector

A National Seed Forum was held at Desalegn Hotel, Addis Ababa on 27^th of April 2023. The Forum was organized by the Ethiopian Seed Association (ESA) with support from the Ethiopia Netherlands Seed Partnership. The forum’s theme was “Guiding efforts towards seed sector transfiguration in Ethiopia”. Mr. Abdulsemed Abdo, a delegate of the Minister of Agriculture, inaugurated the forum. He emphasized in his opening speech the importance of improving seed quality and availability in Ethiopia, where current supplies meet less than 20% of farmers’ needs. He said the seed sector in Ethiopia is vital for the country’s agricultural development and food security. However, the sector faces many challenges that hinder its performance and potential. He assured the participants that the Ministry of Agriculture is committed to working with the Ethiopian Seed Association (ESA) to transform the seed industry and enhance its role in food security and economic development.

Mr. Abdulsemed Abdo, a delegate of the Minister of Agriculture, making opening speech

The chairman of the ESA board, Mr. Melaku Admasu, also presented at the forum and highlighted the achievements and challenges of the association in supporting its members and the sector. He recognized that there is still a lot to do to strengthen the seed system and called for more collaboration and coordination among all actors. He explained that the objective of the forum is to set an agenda, share positive developments in the Ethiopian seed sector, and for B2B linkages. He appreciated ENSP for organizing the forum in collaboration with the association.

Mr. Melaku Admasu, ESA board chair, making welcoming address

Mr. Justin Rakotoarisaona, Secretary General of AFSTA, delivered the keynote address at the forum. He discussed the African seed sector’s challenges and prospects. Some of the challenges include seed control and certification, harmonized regional seed legislation, plant variety protection systems, a plant genetic resources exchange network, and the development of new varieties. Some of the opportunities include: efforts by UPOV, OAPI, ARIPO, and AFSTA to promote Plant Variety Protection in Africa; implementation of harmonized seed regulations by Regional Economic Communities and the African Union (AfCFTA); availability of seed technologies such as gene editing (PBI); donors/development partners interested in seed sector development in Africa; and the existence of seed trade associations (national and AFSTA). Mr. Justin also offered thoughts for improving the Ethiopian seed industry, including developing an enabling environment for the private sector, expanding the public-private collaboration, and promoting national seed trade associations. Mr. Justin praised the Ethiopian Seed Association’s efforts to promote the Ethiopian seed sector, as well as its assistance to AfSTA.

Mr. Justin Rakotoarisaona, Secretary General of AFSTA, delivering the keynote speech

Dr. Mulugeta Mekuria, Lead Technical Advisor: Sustainable Agriculture World Resources Institute and SeedSAT Ethiopia former Country Coordinator, presented the status of the Ethiopian seed industry. Dr. Mulugeta’s presentation showed the evolution of the seed sector in Ethiopia from the pre-1992 period to the present. He highlighted the progress and gaps of the different initiatives in the seed systems in the country so far. In the presentation he stressed that actors and stakeholders in the sector failed to deliver on their commitments hence he said ‘we keep on hearing the same challenges again and again’. He also stressed that though a seed law and regulations are announced to be there but not implemented or delayed for years, they are worth nothing and are as good as not having them at all. Dr. Mulugeta proposed that the seed industry needs to be reformed and diversified through privatization, liberalization, competition, foreign investment and trade, research and development, and public-private partnerships.

Dr. Mulugeta Mekuria presenting the status of the Ethiopian seed industry

The forum discussed the positive developments that could transform the Ethiopian seed sector, which was the main theme of the event. Different stakeholders from the seed industry participated and listened to various speakers who shared their insights and experiences on how they are supporting the seed sector development. Some of the speakers were:

• Ben Depraetere from BASF/Nunhems, a hybrid vegetable seed company that has been operating in Ethiopia for several years and has built a strong network of farmers, distributors and extension agents. The company also offers training, agronomic advice and quality assurance to farmers.
• Boortmalt, a barley breeding and seed production company that works with research institutes, farmers’ cooperatives and malt factories to improve barley quality and productivity in Ethiopia. The company also provides farmers with improved varieties, inputs and market linkages.
• CORTEVA Agriscience, a global agricultural innovation leader that has implemented a rigorous system of testing, certification and traceability for its seeds, which ensures high standards of quality and performance.
• Mr. Fisha Teshemo from Ethiopian Agricultural Authority, who explained the new seed policy that has introduced some important changes that aim to foster the growth of the private sector in the seed industry.
• Amuari plc, a seed production company that works with more than four hundred smallholder farmers on an out-grower scheme. The company works closely with farmers to provide them with improved varieties, inputs, technical support and market access.

Following the sharing of experiences on new developments in the sector, participants thoroughly discussed the sector’s most pressing challenges. Senior scientists in the seed sector and other attendees expressed their concern about the problems discussed in the presentations. They stated that the challenges expressed in the forum have existed for many years. The challenges that were repeatedly mentioned were a big gap between seed demand and supply; research efforts that were insufficiently aligned with government priorities and stakeholder demands, a focus on a few crop types; an inefficient and poorly organized early generation seed supply system; an increase in counterfeit seed supply, seed companies with limited access to financial services and forex, and poor coordination among sector actors. On the other hand, considerable effort has been devoted in documenting the problems and opportunities, as well as developing improvement options. However, participants lauded concern that the sector is still facing the same challenges with little progress. They urged the government to step up its efforts to transform the seed sector.

The forum provided attendees with a valuable chance to share information, learn from one another, and pinpoint potential areas of collaboration. The main outcomes of the forum include increased awareness of recent industry developments and current challenges, improved networking opportunities for seed industry players, and discussions that confirmed the sector is constrained by challenges that have existed for many years and urgently require government support to transform. They argued that a weak regulatory system undermines the quality, safety and diversity of seeds in the market, as well as the trust and confidence of consumers. They urged that the seed law and regulations need to be operationalized. Participants recognize the critical role of communication in seed sector development and urge ESA to take leadership to promote and sensitize seed sector challenges using different communications means and channels to enhance visibility and establish the agenda.

Participants disclosed their discontent regarding senior government officials who have been invited but failed to appear. Participants, having considered all the main outcomes and recommendations as well as other issues relating to the current status of the seed industry, urged ESA to push the government more to set the seed agenda and fasten the ratification and implementation of the seed law.

The forum concluded with a call for action from the government side and actors in the sector to address the persistent challenges and seize the emerging opportunities in the seed sector. The participants agreed on the need for more dialogue, coordination, innovation and investment to transform the seed sector and make it more responsive to producers’ needs and emerging issues.

The National Seed Forum was successful in providing an opportunity for greater interaction among seed industry players and in establishing the agendas for the seed sector. More than 55 people, including senior scientists in the sector and representatives from member seed companies of ESA, EAA, MoA, development partner organizations attended.

The national seed forum participants

National Seed Forum

ESA has organized a national seed forum. The objective of the forum is to set agenda, sharing positive developments in the Ethiopian seed sector and create a space for B2B linkages. The forum aims to bring together key actors in the seed sector, such as seed producers, distributors, researchers, regulators, and farmers, to discuss the current challenges and opportunities in the seed industry and to identify priority areas for intervention and innovation.

The forum will be held on 27-28 April 2023 at the Dessalegn Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It will feature presentations from experts, panel discussions, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities. The expected outcomes of the workshop are:

• Increased awareness and knowledge of the latest developments and best practices in the seed sector
• Enhanced collaboration and coordination among different stakeholders in the seed value chain
• Identification of gaps and needs for improving the quality, availability, and accessibility of seeds for  
•    farmers
• Development of a roadmap and action plan for strengthening the seed sector in Ethiopia

Theme of the presentations will be:

• Status of the Ethiopian seed industry
• Latest developments and best experiences in the Ethiopian seed industry

There will be exhibition booths set up around the meeting hall. These exhibition booths are available to interested companies and organizations. The booth will be rented for a fee. Interested companies and organizations can contact us at ayalnehtilahun.met@gmail.com or +252 0911975285 for any questions or clarifications.

Sensitization Workshop on ESA Legal Documents and Digital Platform held

Recognizing the importance of quality seed access in increasing agricultural production and productivity should be accompanied by strong collaboration and integration of actors in the Ethiopian seed sector. To play its role as the apex organization in the Ethiopian seed sector to strengthen the collaboration among seed sector actors, the Ethiopian Seed Association (ESA) must strengthen itself through the development of efficient and effective organizational laws, code of ethics, and a strategic business strategy. To that end, ESA, with AGRA budget support, has hired consultants to revise and adapt the association’s legal documents to address emerging issues and effectively respond to member demand. The documents were presented to members and other stakeholders in the Ethiopian seed sector for discussion and enrichment. During this series of workshops and bilateral discussions, valuable suggestions were made and incorporated into the documents.

As part of the ongoing discussions, ESA has organized a stakeholder engagement workshop on November 5th, 2022 at the Desalegn Hotel in Addis Abeba. The goal of the workshop was to further discuss and enrich the documents to ensure that they reflect the current scenario and members’ real demand. Apart from the three legal documents, the ESA web-based database was presented to participants during the workshop. Participants appreciated the association’s efforts while also making critical comments that must be considered. Participants emphasized that the bylaws and other legal documents developed by the association must be registered with the country’s respective legal organization. It should be translated into local languages to get it registered. It will be binding and acceptable in any court once it is registered in accordance with the relevant legal organization of the country. Participants also noted that the strategic document should include the potential partnership that the association would establish in the next years with continental and international organizations and similar associations. They also pointed out that on the web-based database that is being developed by the association an awareness creation training has to be organized to familiarize members with the platform. The comments and suggestions were well accepted by the association, it was said training sessions will be organized to train members on the use and application of the web-based database management system of the association.

Melaku Admasu, ESA board chairman, stated in his closing remarks that the association has worked hard to provide the services that members require. Despite its many limitations, the association will strive to strengthen itself and provide the services that its members demand, he added. Melaku praised participants’ active engagement in revising and refining the documents, both now and in previous gatherings. He urged members to continue their active participation in order to strengthen the organization. He expressed his gratitude to AGRA for its ongoing support in strengthening the association and thus the Ethiopian seed sector.

The workshop convened more than 40 individuals, including ESA members and non-members from the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture, Ethiopian Research Institute, seed enterprises, non-governmental organizations, and projects.

Building capacity of seed companies for quality seed production and marketing

Continuous capacity building of seed companies is of utmost importance to improve the availability of sufficient quantities and quality of improved seed. Ethiopian Seed Association (ESA) is aware of this and is making unreserved efforts to arrange for its members to take part in trainings on a variety of subjects. The association’s capacity building trainings have so far significantly assisted in raising members’ awareness, particularly with regard to high-quality seed production. But since science is dynamic, as Melaku Admasu noted in his opening remarks, member seed companies must be aware about new and emerging issues in seed science. Melaku further stated that the association would keep looking for and mobilizing resources to capacitate members and meet their service needs demand.

ESA in collaboration with AGRA organized a two-day training on the production and marketing of high-quality seeds as part of its ongoing efforts. The training was held from November 3–4, 2022, at the Desalegn Hotel in Addis Abeba. The primary goal of the training was to improve the technical skills of ESA members in the following areas: Early generation seed production, crop agronomic management, identifying traits of inbred lines, hybrids, and OPV (descriptor and DUS), seed physiology and storage, parameters and testing for seed quality, standards for seed inspection and certification, and management of the seed sector.

The training focused on theoretical concepts related to the specified topics. All of the participants have hands-on experience in the field. Following the presentation, participants raised issues relating to their practical field experience which was discussed and explained by resource persons.

In general, participants mentioned that the training was very beneficial, particularly because the topics were so interesting to them. They requested the association to organize training on digital information management system to support seed companies digitize their operation. However, participants complained that there wasn’t enough time to discuss everything and cover all the topics. They recommended in similar training that may be organized next time, allocating enough time and combining theoretical concepts with practical exercises.

For successfully completing the training course, participants received a certificate of participation at the end of the training. Melaku Admasu thanked everyone for participating actively in his closing remarks. He added saying that the association would keep working to provide its members with the services they need.

The training brought together 24 participants from member seed companies from Amhara, Oromia, SNNPR regions and Addis Ababa. The resource persons for the training programs included senior seed researchers from EIAR, partner organizations and private consultants.

A Thematic Workshop on Access to Finance for Private Seed Sector in Ethiopia held

Ethiopian seed association organized a thematic workshop on finance access to the private seed sector on October 11th, 2022 at Addis Ababa. The objective of the workshop is to create space to bring together finance institutions, seed companies and other relevant stakeholders to discuss finance challenges.

Melaku Admasu welcoming participants

The workshop opened by Mr. Melaku Admasu, ESA board chairman welcoming speech. Mr. Melaku also presented highlights describing the Ethiopian seed association. In his presentation Melaku indicated one of the major challenges which constrain the private seed sector continues to be access to finance. The needs for agro-inputs, and related needs for input-finance for the production of enough and quality seed are insufficiently assessed and not sufficiently availed. This is hampering the production and supply of quality seed, especially by the private sector. He added one of the responsibilities of ESA is to create a platform to create a space for dialogue among key stakeholders in the sector. This consultive workshop is one of its efforts to support its members key challenges to be addressed, Melaku added.

The workshop is underway at Desalegn hotel, Addis Ababa

Participants discussed the major challenges related to financial service access to the Ethiopian private seed sector. Reluctance of finance institutions to provide credit for the agriculture sector, long bureaucratic process to acquire a loan, limited knowledge of seed companies on bankable business plan development, seed businesses limited finance literacy, issue of collateral were the main challenges for limited finance access to seed companies discussed by participants. The majority of banks, according to participants, know relatively little about the agriculture industry in general and the seed sub-sector in particular.

The challenge was discussed, along with alternative options for improving local seed businesses’ access to financing. It was stated that by identifying capable member seed companies with potential access to credit services and linking them with financial institutions, the association can play a vital role. Additionally, it was suggested that the association could assist in the assessment of the seed sector because agricultural financing requires in-depth knowledge of the sector, the nature of the seed business, key value chain nodes where financing is a major challenge, and the overall repayment capacity of seed companies. The association can select a few numbers of strong seed businesses, based on the assessment, sign MoU with banks, and facilitate capacity building for those companies which accessed credit services.

In conclusion, participants appreciated the association for creating such a targeted workshop. They acknowledged to effectively expanding access to agricultural financial services within the seed sector will require dynamic partnerships and strategies that tackle critical challenges. It was also noted that to encourage financial institutions service delivery for the seed sector, financial service providers require a evidence based information, including technical assistance in loan product design, and improvement of operational efficiencies. The possibilities for risk-reduction mechanisms such as loan guarantees and other innovative tools should be explored.

A total of 28 participants convened from banks, member seed companies, ENSP project and AGRA attended the workshop. Development Bank of Ethiopia, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, Nib International Bank, Debub Global Bank, Awash Bank, Amhara Bank, Wegagen Bank, and Dashen Bank represented in the workshop.

Unreserved Effort to Strengthen ESA has been Recognized

ESA’s effort to deliver services to its members was supported by some organizations and individuals. ESA always acknowledge any assistance it received from organizations or individuals, appreciate their contribution to enhance the Ethiopian seed sector. Support from some individuals is exceptional and ESA want to knowledge it properly. The unreserved effort of Dr. Mulugetta Mekuria to strengthen ESA is the one to mention. Dr. Mulugeta Mekuria, Lead Technical Advisor: Sustainable Agriculture-Ethiopia at World Resource Institute, is strong allies of ESA. Dr. Mulugetta made a significant contribution to the strengthening of ESA, particularly through the Ethiopian Seed Systems Assessment Tool Project (SeedSAT), which he managed. Mr. Melaku, chairman of ESA board of directors, said through his commitment to strengthen the Ethiopian private seed sector, ESA has benefited a lot from his scientific leadership and resource mobilization efforts. The chairman boldly said Ethiopian Seed Association Board of Directors and members wishes to recognize and express their deepest gratitude for his pivotal role and awarded him with a certificate of recognition.

Dr. Mulugetta expressed his gratitude for the certificate and the association’s recognition of his work. “I delivered very little,” Dr. Mulugetta added, “but honoring individuals’ efforts ought to be the norm.” He further said that recognizing people’s efforts motivates them to do more and inspires others to join in. He committed to do everything he can in the future to support strengthening of the association.

ESA Outsourced Consultants to Revise and Update its Constitution and Business Strategy

Ethiopian Seed Association (ESA) has been working hard to meet the needs of its members said Mr. Melaku Admasu, chairman of the ESA board of directors. Mr. Melaku stated in his welcome speech that the association exerted a lot of efforts to provide the services members need from the association. However, due to several constraints, the association was unable to meet its members’ service demand. To improve service delivery and capability, it must revise its constitution, code of conduct, and business strategy. As a result, with AGRA’s assistance, the association recruited consultants to review and update the association’s constitution, code of ethics, and business strategy. “So now you are invited to evaluate the consultants’ study, discuss thoroughly, and make constructive comments to consolidate the studies,” Mr. Melaku stated.

Mr. Melaku Admasu, ESA board chairman making welcoming speech

The ESA constitution, business, and operational strategies must be updated to reflect the current scenario in the seed sector. In his opening statement, Mr. Ayele Gezahegn, Deputy Country Director at AGRA, stated that AGRA is dedicated to support the strengthening of the association in terms of achieving its purpose in the Ethiopian seed sector.

Mr. Ayele Gezahegn, Deputy Country Director at AGRA, making opening statement

The consultants’ studies have been presented, and participants have thoroughly discussed them. Participants stated that the studies presented are detailed and reflect current reality. They recommended what should be included and updated in the presented documents by comparing the experiences of similar associations in other countries. They emphasized that the Ethiopian Seed Association has done its best to serve its members, but it needs to do more. It should improve to the level of similar associations in other countries, such as Kenya and Ghana, in advocating their members’ interests.

Dr. Lema Desalegn, presenting the study on updating ESA constitution

More than 40 people attended the event, including ESA members and non-members from the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture, Ethiopian Research Institute, seed enterprises, non-governmental organizations, and projects.